Manchester United have agreed a £5m severance package which will end goalkeeper Fabien Barthez’s contract from 30 June.
Barthe has been on loan with Marseille since January but news that his contract has been terminated will alert a number of clubs who are interested in securing the services of the 33-year-old.
The French World Cup winner lost his place towards the end of last season and was allowed to go on loan after United signed Tim Howard.
A statement from United on Tuesday – released as part of their interim results – read: “Manchester United has reached agreement with Fabien Barthez to terminate his contract with the club with effect from 30 June 2004.’
Barthez joined Manchester United in June 2000 from AS Monaco and was contracted to the club until June 2006.
“As a result of this agreement, the second-half results will include a write-off of the un-amortised balance of the original registration cost and compensation to the player on termination. The total charge will be £5m.”
