Derby axe Ravanelli

Ravanelli is Derby's top scorer this season

Relegated Derby have told Fabrizio Ravanelli he is surplus to requirements at Pride Park.

Boss John Gregory axed the expensive Italian as he gears up for the Rams' season in the First Division.

Gregory said: "I have told Ravanelli to look for another club because there is no future for him at Derby."

Ravanelli joined the Rams on a free transfer from Lazio after protracted negotiations last summer and made an immediate impression.

If the manager says he has no future at Derby County then he has to come up with something as he still has a year left on his contract

Ravanelli's agent Giovanni Paladini

He scored a searing free-kick on his debut against Blackburn and went on to hit eight goals in his first 12 starts.

Although Ravanelli finished as club top scorer he managed only three goals in the last six months and discontent grew over his performances.

But Ravanelli's agent Giovanni Paladini insisted his client wanted to stay at Pride Park.

He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "Fabrizio has not told me to find him another club and he is happy to play in the First Division.

"He is going home this weekend but he is coming back and he wants to stay at Derby.

"If the manager says he has no future at Derby County then he has to come up with something as he still has a year left on his contract."

Gregory's end-of-season clearout has also accounted for Giorgi Kinkladze, Horacio Carbonari and Youl Mawene.