The defender rejected the offer of a new £40,000-a-week deal, which included escape clauses if he wasn’t happy with the progress under prospective new boss Claudio Ranieri.

Distin, who has been with City for five years, said: “It has been an incredibly tough decision but in the end I just feel I want a fresh challenge.

"I’ve had five very enjoyable years at City and I wish the club all the best in the future.

"But I want to play somewhere different. It is time for a change.”

Newcastle, Spurs and Everton are also interested.