Leicester City have released six players, with England international Darius Vassell being the most high profile player on the exit list.
Vassell, 31, had an injury hit 2011/12 season with the Foxes after being signed by Sven-Goran Eriksson in November 2010. He made 44 appearances for the club, mostly as a substitute, scoring six times. Bulgarian international defender Aleksander Tunchev, 30, has also been released along with goalkeeper Chris Weale, midfielder Matt Oakley and strikers Steve Howard and Elliott Chamberlain.
Tunchev was bought by current manager Nigel Pearson during his first spell at the club from CSKA Sofia in July 2008, but much like Vassell, his time at the King Power Stadium has been curtailed by injuries, playing 34 games in four seasons.
Howard, 36 and Oakley, 34, were signed from Derby County by Ian Holloway in January 2008. Both were unable to prevent Leicester from being relegated to League One, but the duo played a key role in the club winning the division at the first time of asking. Howard formed a formidable partnership with Matty Fryatt and was named Player of the Season while Oakley captained the side throughout the campaign. Howard made 147 appearances, scoring 28 goals while Oakley made 137 appearances, scoring ten times.
Weale, 30, signed from Bristol City in May 2009 and became City's number one for the club's return in the Championship. However, the signing of Kasper Schmeichel last season saw Weale drop down the pecking order and he was loaned out to Northampton Town. The 'keeper made 75 appearances for Leicester.
Youth team product Chamberlain, 20, never made a first team appearance for City.
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