Rotherham United say goodbye to Freddie Ladapo as retained list is announced

Others to be freed including long-serving Joe Mattock, fellow defender Angus MacDonald and winger Mickel Miller.

Ladapo, a £400,000 signing from Plymouth Argyle three years ago, ended the campaign exiled from the first team after making a transfer request in January.

The Millers could have exercised their option to extend his deal by 12 months and demanded a fee for him but decided to part company with a striker who had become a problem to them despite his prolific scoring record.

The 29-year-old hit the target 41 times in 123 appearances and helped the club to two League One promotions.

Mattock had been with Rotherham since 2015 and is highly regarded by manager Paul Warne but his age and fitness record counted against him.

MacDonald missed nine months of last term with a health-related issue before making a February comeback and the Millers feel he will get more of the game-time he craves away from them.

Miller is another player well thought of but, like Mattock, hasn't always been available to play. He announced on social media last week that he would be leaving.

Two more players not on the retained list are youngsters Jake Cooper and Jacob Gratton who have spent all season out on non-league loans.

Rotherham are in negotiations with several members of their squad, including striker Michael Smith, centre-half Michael Ihiekwe, winger Chiedozie Ogbene and midfielder Jamie Lindsay, over new contracts.

In the meantime, they have activated their 12-month option on Ogbene and have also done the same with goalkeepers Viktor Johansson and Josh Chapman and young central defender Jake Hull.