The 37-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international, who is out of contract at the Stadium of Light, was, as expected, not included when the club released its retained list today.

Striker David Connolly, midfielder Arnau Riera, keepers Darren Ward and Nick Colgan and young defenders Peter Hartley and Niall McArdle have also been released.

Yorke arrived at the Stadium of Light from Sydney in August 2006 as then manager Roy Keane made six deadline day signings within hours of taking over as boss.

He signed a new one-year deal at the end of last season and was co-opted on to the coaching staff when Ricky Sbragia took over in the wake of Keane's departure in November.

The former Aston Villa striker made 62 appearances for the club, the last of them as a substitute against United on April 11.

Republic of Ireland international Connolly, who celebrates his 32nd birthday next week, joined on the same day as Yorke, but has been plagued by injury during his three years on Wearside and has not played for the club since January last year.

Spanish midfielder Arnau, who was signed by Niall Quinn during his brief spell as manager, made just two appearances for the club and was sent off three minutes into his only start in a League Cup game at Bury.

Ward and Colgan, both 35, have found themselves marginalised by record signing Craig Gordon and Marton Fulop, who was today linked with Greek side Panathinaikos.

Meanwhile, loan signings Calum Davenport and Tal Ben Haim have returned to West Ham and Manchester City respectively, although the Black Cats were impressed with Davenport and may investigate the possibility of a permanent move.

Striker Michael Chopra, whose name appears on the retained list, will, however, formally complete his £4million move to Cardiff, where he spent the end of last season on loan, on July 1.

Also included after spells away on loan are Russell Anderson, Greg Halford, Roy O'Donovan, Anthony Stokes and Martyn Waghorn.