Danny Murphy and Blackburn Rovers agree midfielder's release

Blackburn Rovers have reached an "amicable agreement" to cancel the contract of midfielder Danny Murphy.

The 36-year-old former Liverpool, Tottenham and England player had 12 months left on his two-year deal at Ewood Park.

Murphy joined on a free transfer from Fulham in June 2012 following Blackburn's relegation to the Championship and made 35 appearances.

However, he featured in just one of their final 13 games last season.

Managing director Derek Shaw told BBC Radio Lancashire: "Danny has had a wonderful career, but sadly he is not in [manager] Gary Bowyer's long-term plans.

"So, we sat down with Danny and reached a mutual agreement on a financial package to cancel his contract with the club.

"This move is in line with the club's plans to keep overheads down as much as possible, to allow us to be in line with the new fair play rules."

Veteran striker Nuno Gomes had his contract terminated on Friday, while Portuguese defender Nuno Henrique has returned to his homeland and joined newly-promoted Futebol Club de Arouca on a season-long loan.

Meanwhile, Leeds have emerged as frontrunners to sign Crewe captain Luke Murphy, for whom Blackburn have had an offer of about £1m accepted.