Former Newcastle United striker Nile Ranger has reportedly chosen to pay a £5,000 fine instead of doing community service.

The 22-year-old, who was released by the Magpies in March, was ordered by Newcastle Magistrates to carry out 120 hours of community service with nine months' supervision after admitting to common assault in April.

However, Highbury Corner Magistrates have agreed for Ranger to pay a £5,000 fine due to the striker's claims that he is busy trying to find a new football club to employ him, according to the Daily Mail.

Reports have claimed that Ranger is currently on £30 a day.