But West told BBC Sport Online that the German side wanted him to sign a new three-year deal, but that he felt he needed to "take a new passage" and was leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the month.

The defender's contract was believed to run out on June 30th 2004, but he claimed that he would be a free agent at the end of the month.

"I feel I want to go for a free transfer," he revealed.

"I have other dreams, and I have other clubs who have much interest in me.

"I feel I need to go back to either the Italian league or the Premiership and get myself back at the top.

"I was afraid the club would not agree to my wishes, but in the long run they have, so I have to leave for good and I wish the club all the best."

If West does become a free agent, it would not be the first time in his career.

He was without a club at the start of the season, after English side Derby County failed to renew his contract with them.