MIDDLESBROUGH have confirmed the departure of last season's leading goalscorer Scott McDonald.

McDonald has had his contract cancelled by mutual consent, despite having a year of the deal still to run.

He has subsequently signed a new deal with Championship side Millwall, where he will link up with his former Boro team-mate Nicky Bailey.

Boro boss Tony Mowbray has been looking to move McDonald on for the majority of his time at the Riverside, with the striker's wages, which were understood to be around £28,000-a-week, a major drain on the club's resources.

The Australian was easily the highest-earning player on Boro's books, and his departure should result in the arrival of a number of players before the start of the Championship season.

Portuguese attacking midfielder Vitor is expected to be one of the first new arrivals, having already travelled to Rockliffe Park to conduct personal talks last week.

McDonald joined Boro in a £3.5m move from Celtic in January 2010 and scored 40 goals in his 124 appearances for the Teessiders.