Simpson heads for the KC exit as Tigers chief Bruce rebuilds

The 24-year-old, who moved to the KC Stadium from Arsenal three years ago, made 47 league and cup appearances in 2012-13 but just one goal in the final 31 of those sealed his fate.

Simpson will be joined in heading through the exit door this summer by Paul McKenna, Seyi Olofinjana and Andy Dawson. The latter will return to Scunthorpe United, while Olofinjana could be on Sheffield Wednesday’s radar after ending the Championship campaign on loan at Hillsborough.

Others set to leave after being released at the end of their contracts are Sonny Bradley, Lewis Clarkson, Mark Cullen, Jamie Devitt, Kealan Dillon, Daniel East, Daniel Emerton and Francis McCaffrey. East and Bradley have already agreed terms with League Two side Portsmouth.

The mass cull is to be expected following promotion with Steve Bruce intent on building a squad capable of making the step up.

With that in mind, new contracts have been offered to Paul McShane, Liam Rosenior and Mark Oxley.

Veteran defender Abdoulaye Faye’s contract has also been automatically extended for a further 12 months, after an appearance-based clause was activated within his original 12-month deal.

City are waiting to hear the response of McShane, Oxley and Rosenior to the offer of new contracts before finalising any summer transfer plans.

Tigers chairman Assem Allam revealed to the Yorkshire Post last Saturday that the club’s current wage bill of £20m is expected to double next season in the top-flight.

Six Academy graduates – Daniel Chambers, Benjamin Clappison, Joseph Cracknell, Matthew Dixon, Paul McElroy and Sam Topliss – have been offered their first professional deals.