Stephen Ireland and Shola Ayoola released by Stoke City

Stoke City pair Stephen Ireland and Shola Ayoola are on the lookout for new clubs after the relegated club opted not to offer them new deals.

Veteran midfielder Ireland and promising underage striker Ayoola have fallen victim to the Potters' belt-tightening since dropping out of the Premier League for the first time in a decade.

Former international Ireland has endured a frustrating couple of years since breaking his leg in a training accident in May 2016.

He was rewarded with a new contract at the beginning of last season but made just five appearancess in total as he continued to struggle with injury.

In all, the former Manchester City and Aston Villa playmaker made 70 appearances for the Potters over five years, scoring six times.

19-year-old centre-forward Ayoola joined Stoke from Cherry Orchard in 2017 but has found progression difficult at a club where opportunities for young players have been limited.

Ibadan-born Ayoola has represented Ireland up to under-18 level, scoring once in three appearances.