the Costa Rican after he was substituted and replaced by Bermuda's Shaun Goater 20 minutes from the end of Saturday's FA Cup tie against Coventry was the last straw for Royle. As he left the pitch, Wanchope gesticulated angrily at the City bench and shoved past physio Rob Harris. He was jeered off by the City fans. Royle and Wanchope met yesterday and after a failure to resolve their differences, City's leading goalscorer was told he could leave. "We have decided it is in the best interest of the club and the player that we part company,'' said Royle yesterday. "There have been several incidents with the player which have not been publicised. I wanted to think things over at the weekend before meeting with Paulo. "I wanted to see what Paulo's reaction would be when he came into training today, but there was none.'' On Saturday, Royle had played down Wanchope's fit of anger at being replaced and told reporters: "It's a passionate game and Paulo was upset at being substituted, nothing more than that.'' Wanchope arrived at Maine Road in the summer, a 3.65-million buy from West Ham, and has scored nine goals in 24 games for City. Derby gave Wanchope his first chance in English football and he enjoyed a stunning debut which included a wonder goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. PHOTO Joe Royle: The Man City boss is likely to start Goater against Liverpool tomorrow after ruling out transfer-listed Paulo Wanchope.