Discussions between Aston Villa and John Terry will take place in the next few weeks as the veteran defender decides what step to take next in his career.
Terry, 37, joined Villa last year on a free transfer from Chelsea in a one-year deal that contained a further year’s option if Villa went up.
But Villa’s defeat in the play-off final means that option won’t be exercised and Terry’s contract is now set to expire.
Manager Steve Bruce says the ball is firmly in the former England captain’s court.
He said: “I think that is the question for everybody, John’s future. That will depend on John.
“The discussions over the next few weeks will be with John to see what he wants. He had an option if we went up.
“We had to balance the books last summer to get loans and frees.
“It is something that has happened over the last two windows and something they are going to have to get used to.”