Sunderland AFC transfer news: Cats, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town 'target' likened to Dennis Bergkamp RELEASED by Scottish club

Just last week, Melamed’s representatives said the player was is likely to make a decision over his future with his contract set to expire.

Today, however, the news broke that the 28-year-old striker has been released by St Johnstone.

The Israeli striker has enjoyed a fine season and has reportedly attracted interest from Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.

Over the course of the 2020-21 season, Melamed’s goals helped the Scottish outfit win the League Cup and Scottish Cup and qualify for European football.

Melamed recently said he was ‘flattered’ by the interest being shown in him, but had not ruled-out remaining with the Scottish side, but has now seemingly rejected the chance to stay with St Johnstone.

Speaking after the club’s retained list had been revealed, St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson said: "The squad gave the Football Club 100 percent and that's why we won the Cup double and qualified for Europe.

"I'd like to thank them all as they were very professional and a pleasure to manage. I wish them the very best of luck in the future.

"As a manager, you need to make difficult decisions but it is part of the job.

"We will now focus on trying to bring in one or two new players for the start of the season.”

Since his arrival at McDiarmid Park, Melamed has even been likened to Dennis Bergkamp by the local media due to his skilful nature and touch.

A goal against Hamilton earlier this year only underlined those comparisons.

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