Newcastle United have made a surprising decision to hand Lewis McNall a free transfer.
The No 9 played a big part in the club's FA Youth Cup run in 2017 before enduring injury hell last season, but United have opted to release the 20-year-old.
McNall scored a memorable winner away to Sunderland in the FA Youth Cup two seasons ago.
The striker was a popular member of the United Academy and also spent time on loan at Gateshead in recent years.
But he will depart the club this summer along with Cal Roberts and a clutch of other Under-23 players.
After leaving United, McNall took to his social media account to post: "End of a nightmare 12 months, being out all season with a knee injury and my 13 year journey with NUFC came to an end. Now fully recovered, rehabilitation complete and back to full fitness, ready for what new opportunities come.
"Bring on pre-season."
Newcastle are due to announce their retained list next month with question marks over Juanito, Finnish goalie Otto Huuhtanen, Liam Gibson and Rosaire Longelo.
United's second string are currently in the Far East for the Hong Kong 7s tournament.
Rafa Benitez contract extension talks: Where we stand on the situation after day two of negotiations
Newcastle United set to tell Premier League giants that Sean Longstaff is 'not for sale' this summer
