Man. City release 10 players

Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce announced a clearout of 10 players including several major international signings yesterday.

The released men, including French defender David Sommeil, a £3.4 million ($6.35 million) signing from Girondins Bordeaux in 2003, were told their contracts are not to be renewed.

Pearce's plans were confirmed by the club website which reported that he met each player individually earlier this week to explain his decisions. The departing men also include on-loan Dutch forward Kiki Musampa, from Atletico Madrid, and Spanish midfielder Albert Riera, from Espanyol.

Pearce has also released Dutch reserve goalkeeper Geert de Vlieger, Danish defender Mikkel Bischoff and Finnish midfielder Tuomas Haapala.

He said last week that he was looking to recruit "four top-line players" and bolster his squad in other ways. This may mean promoting some of the promising youngsters who helped City reach the FA Youth Cup final.

City finished 15th in the Premier League.