CITY can confirm the contract of Lee Croft has been terminated early by mutual consent.

The Wigan-born winger, who was named City's 2008-09 Player of the Season, signed for the Canaries in July 2006 on a three-year deal - his contract is therefore due to expire on June 30.

Norwich manager Bryan Gunn told canaries.co.uk: "Lee's made it clear he feels his future lies elsewhere, so this gives him the chance to explore other opportunities. We wish him all the best for the future."

Croft made a total of 131 appearances and scored nine goals for Norwich in all competitions - including the injury-time winner over Sheffield United at Carrow Road in September, scoring in City's win and draw against eventual league Champions Wolves and most famously a stunning opener in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town in December 2008.

The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Manchester City, appearing 32 times and scoring once. Croft spent three months on loan at League One side Oldham Athletic in the 2004-05 season, scoring twice in 17 games, before being brought to Carrow Road by Nigel Worthington.