GOAL of the season winner Adrian Littlejohn is the shock casualty of Bury's cost-cutting exercise after being shown the Gigg Lane door.

Lutel James is also on his way out, as well as Ryan Souter, Lee Buggie and Warren Peyton.

Chairman Terry Robinson revealed the players were being released because the money saved would enable Bury to fight harder to keep other players, such as Nick Daws, Paul Reid and Rotherham target Chris Swailes.

"We are mindful that by letting certain players go we can try and keep hold of our ex-First Division players," said Robinson.

"Because we are in limbo with the takeover situation we can't keep them all and this first selection process will hopefully enable us to find a better way of utilising funds.

"Myself and the manager have identified the players we want to stay and that is what we are working towards."

Littlejohn and James will be upset by the decisions to release them. Littlejohn has scored some useful goals -- not to mention the stunning scissor kick to snatch a point against Notts County -- and James, signed from non-league Hyde United two years ago, has grafted week in, week out in a bid to become a first team regular.

However, it is hard to argue with the club's choice, as both players have failed to make a real impression and -- in view of the financial position at the club -- the duo must have been privately fearing the worst. Both are now available on free transfers.

With Paul Barnes and Dean Barrick at Doncaster Rovers, the Shakers squad is already looking trimmer as boss Andy Preece prepares for the new season. All remaining players are in talks with the club and have had extended contracts offered.

During a busy day, Preece also revealed he had made his first signing of the close season by snapping up a teenage Turkish defender.

Edward Tarsus, aged 18, has signed on a free transfer and is highly-rated in his home country where he has played for the national under 18s side. He has previous experience with Leeds United and is described as right-sided defender who likes to get forward.

That signing could be a safeguard against Chris Swailes leaving.

Bury have confirmed that Rotherham United have made an official approach for Bury's Players' Player of the Season and although the defender is yet to decide on his future, it might be hard to resist a move to the newly-promoted Yorkshire side.

Another man possibly on his way out is Indian international Baichung Bhutia.

The striker is being chased by three clubs in the Far East, with Singapore's Woodland Wellington leading the hunt.

Woodlands team manager R. Vengadasalam has invited Bhutia for preliminary talks about a move and revealed: "We are very keen on Bhutia. The club needs a player of his quality to help turn our fortunes around.

"Question is, will we be attractive enough for him? I'm hoping he will be turned on by the challenge of making Woodlands a top-five club again."

Bhutia signed for Bury in a blaze of publicity in 1999 but never cemented a place in the first team amid rumours that he didn't work hard enough in training. Now he seems unlikely to turn down the chance to kickstart his career with a new club.