"He's in the final year of a contract which, in any shape or form, would not be renewed at the end of this season. The club is vastly different to the one that Eirik joined seven years ago.
"We've given him the chance to find another club before the transfer window closes, and it will suit everyone if he takes the opportunity to move on.
"We felt it was only right to take the decision to prevent him from playing. Eirik completed pre-season and came through it as fit and conditioned as he has been at any time during the last two years.
"He's been a great servant to the club, and he's not being singled out. Over the last few years Leeds United have been forced to part company with a number of players due to the scale of their wages. Eirik falls into the same category."