The French winger’s departure has been on the cards for some time as relations between him and boss Graeme Souness have become increasingly strained over the season.
The winger nicknamed “le whinge” by some of the Toon Army recently expressed his desire to leave the club.
“I played for the whole season and, suddenly, nothing else. Souness didn't tell me anything. But he is a little special coach. He has trouble with a lot of players. It is just like that.”
The former Paris St Germain player who cost United £9.5m in 2001 put the final nail in the coffin of his
“I don't play anymore so they don't need me anymore.
“They should let me go for free. If they prevent me from leaving I will stay but I don't think it's in the club's interest to pay me for nothing.”
However Chairman Freddy Shepherd will want to re-coup at least £4m for the player.