Kolo Toure released by Liverpool as manager Jurgen Klopp continues squad overhaul at Anfield
Defender wanted to stay but has not been offered an extension to his current deal the runs out at the end of June
KOLO TOURE has been released by Liverpool after three years at the club.
Toure has been told he will not be offered a new contract when his existing deal expires at the end of the month.
The 35-year-old is now looking round for other options, with Monaco said to be interested in a short term deal according to claims in France.
Toure had said last month he wanted to stay at Anfield, but boss Jurgen Klopp has decided it is time to bring in new faces to his squad.
He said: “Of course I want to stay. It's a great club to play in, but the manager has his plan and any decision I will respect.
“He is a top manager and he knows what he is doing."
Klopp has already completed the signing of defender Joel Matip and is still considering buying another to bolster his defensive options.
Highly-rated youngster Joe Gomez will also be back available after a knee injury kept him on the sidelines for much of last season.
Former Arsenal and Manchester City star Toure made 71 appearances for Liverpool after he arrived on a free transfer in the summer of 2013.
He never really established himself as a regular starter, but still made 25 appearances last season including an impressive display in the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.
Liverpool are also expected to confirm the departures of ex-Newcastle full-back Jose Enrique, striker Jerome Sinclair and youngster Jordan Rossiter.