Chinese midfielder Li Tie has been released by Everton, the English Premier League club said on Monday.

Also released were Scotland veteran striker Duncan Ferguson and Italian defender Matteo Ferrari, who has been on loan from AS Roma.

Everton finished the season on Sunday in 11th place after a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich.

The 28-year-old Li joined Everton from Liaoning Fushen in 2002, initially on loan and later signed a three-year deal with the Liverpool club. Since 2004, Li never earned himself a starting lineup place, partially due to some severe injuries.

Li was said to join the Sheffield United, who have won a promotion into next season's Premier League and have close link with a Chinese club.

According to chinese media, Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe had indicated that his club would sign a Chinese player, who is not a forward. Chinese veteran striker Hao Haidong now plays with the United.

Ferguson, 34, first joined Everton in 1994 from Rangers and helped them win the FA Cup in 1995. He left for Newcastle United for seven million pounds ($13 million) in 1998 but returned to Goodison Park for little more than half that sum less than two years later.

Editor: Donald