It's being reported Isle of Man cycling superstar Mark Cavendish has negotiated a free release from his three-year contract with Team Sky.

Cycling Weekly and Times Online are running stories saying the Manx Missile has avoided the team's initial demand of a seven-figure buy-out and his exit is set to be finalised in writing by the end of this week.

That will allow Cav to enter into discussions with other interested parties for next season including Omega Pharma-Quick-Step who have been strongly linked to the sprint ace.

The Belgian-based squad has no general classification rider on its books so a squad could be built around the Manxman to go for Tour stage wins and the Tour de France green jersey.