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Transfer news in the January window usually focuses on the big money deals as clubs frantically try to sign players they hope will change their season.
However, the month also marks the point at which some players enter the last six months of their contract.
There are all types of player who tend to fall into this group; those running down their contracts hoping for a move to bigger club, players nearing the end of their careers or just those no longer wanted by their clubs.
This year's collection from the Premier League is no exception.
Here, we guide you through the players that could be leaving their clubs for free this summer - or on the flip-side - the players who could be coming to your team for absolutely nothing.
Show all 28 1 /28The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal) - The Danish international has been out of favour at the Emirates for some time now after loan spells at Sunderland and Juventus, and has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga. The 25-year-old has made just eight appearances this season – mainly from the bench – and it seems likely that his eight-year association with the club will come to an end this summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Bacary Sagna (Arsenal) - One of Arsenal’s longest-serving players, Sagna has proved to be a key part of the team in the past 12 months. However, the 30-year-old France international has been stalling on signing a new contract, with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco reported to be interested in bringing the former Auxerre defender back to Ligue 1 in the summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Marc Albrighton (Aston Villa) - Scorer of the 20,000th Premier League goal three years ago, Albrighton’s career has stagnated since then. He has made just 16 appearances under Paul Lambert and while injuries have been the main reason for his absence, the likes of Andreas Weimann are preferred in the first team at present. He could well drop down to a Championship club in order to gain regular first-team football if he does not sign a new deal at Villa Park.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Peter Whittingham (Cardiff) - The former Aston Villa midfielder has become synonymous with the Bluebirds since joining back in 2007 for £350,000. With over 300 appearances for the Welsh outfit, it would be a surprise to see Whittingham sacrificed in the summer, but the arrival of Magnus Eikrem under new coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could impact his first-team chances, making a summer move a possibility.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Ashley Cole (Chelsea) - After losing his place to Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea team, doubts were raised as to whether Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho would want to keep the 33-year-old after his contract expires. Cole, who has won 106 caps for England, has had offers from MLS clubs such as LA Galaxy, who are said to be interested in acquiring the left-back. After seven years with the Blues, the ex-Arsenal man could seek a new challenge overseas.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea) - Joining on a one-year deal from Anzhi Makhachkala in the summer, veteran forward Eto’o has not had the desired effect at Stamford Bridge. Just five goals have come since his arrival, and having fallen behind Fernando Torres in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, it is thought that Eto’o make way when Romelu Lukaku finishes his loan spell at Everton in the summer. A host of clubs are looking at offering him a deal, with Toronto FC one of the favourites to secure his signature.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - Now 35 years of age and showing some signs of decline, Frank Lampard may be thinking about retiring, but after Jose Mourinho confirmed he wants the club’s all-time top scorer to stay for another year, the England international could prolong his career once again. He has struggled to find his best form this season, with just four Premier League goals to his name in the current campaign.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic John Terry (Chelsea) - Another one of the original 2005 title-winning side under Mourinho, Terry has found his best form after being reunited with the Portuguese coach. He is the only outfield player to play in every single game so far, highlighting his important role as captain of the side, and a new deal looks inevitable. Speculation had seen him linked with a surprise move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, but with Terry enjoying life in West London, it appears unlikely that he will leave, despite there being no agreement on a new deal yet.
The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Younes Kaboul (Tottenham) - After being blighted with injuries, the French defender could be one of those moved on under new coach Tim Sherwood in the summer. The 27-year-old now has Michael Dawson, Jan Vertonghen and Vlad Chiriches to dislodge in the centre of defence after his spell on the sidelines, and a switch to France could be on the cards.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Marouane Chamakh (Crystal Palace) - The Moroccan striker only signed for the Eagles in the summer after a troubled spell with Arsenal, but with then manager Ian Holloway calculating the risk of a long contract, Chamakh was given a one-year deal with option for a second. His haul of four goals in the Premier League has seen him become a key member of the side, but offers from abroad could see him leave, especially if Tony Pulis’ side are relegated.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Chris Brunt (West Brom) - The Northern Ireland international has proved to be a worthy member of the side in recent years since signing from Sheffield Wednesday, with over 200 appearances to his name at the Hawthorns. Brunt’s deal runs out at the end of the season, though, and with the Baggies’ top-flight status far from certain, he could be one of many let go to reduce the wage bill if they fail to avoid the drop. His consistent showings would ensure that he has a number of admirers, and would be an ideal signing for any promoted side should he depart.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Julian Speroni (Crystal Palace) - Despite being 34, the Argentinian has displayed some of the best form of his career in recent months and is one of the most important players in the Crystal Palace squad. It seems feasible that he will sign a new deal but, with South London outfit’s position unclear in the Premier League, negotiations may have to wait until the summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Sylvain Distin (Everton) - The Frenchman may be approaching the final years of his career but even at 36, he is showing no signs of letting up, receiving the highest praise from Roberto Martinez for his performances. He has been a pivotal figure at the back for the Toffees as they currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, and it would be a big shock to see him depart Goodison Park, with a one-year deal the likely solution.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic John Heitinga (Everton) The former Ajax defender has been a crucial part of Everton’s solid backline over the past few years, making over 100 appearances since signing from Atletico Madrid in 2009. However, the Holland international has lost his regular place in the side to Sylvain Distin under Roberto Martinez and has featured just four times this season for the Toffees. Previously linked with a move to West Ham, a switch back to Holland beckons for the 30-year-old in the summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Dimitar Berbatov (Fulham) - Since joining the Cottagers from Manchester United for £5m over a year ago, Berbatov has produced some glimpses of his natural ability, scoring 19 Premier League goals in 48 games. His form has suffered in the current campaign, however, with Berbatov managing just four goals as Fulham languish dangerously above the relegation zone. Arsenal have been credited with an interest, with a cut-price £2m deal lined up, although the 32-year-old is likely to stay at least until the summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Alex Kacanaklic (Fulham) - One of the stars of the Martin Jol era at Fulham, Kacaniklic has improved drastically since arriving from Liverpool in 2010. Now a full international for Sweden with 16 caps, Kacaniklic is a regular fixture out on the left-hand side, with his pace, agility and an eye for goal offering Fulham a sense of flair in the side. However, the 22-year-old could make a fresh start elsewhere if a new deal cannot be agreed, with interest certain to grow if the Swede becomes a free agent in the summer.
The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Joe Cole (West Ham) - The former Chelsea midfielder has struggled to reclaim his best form since leaving the Blues in 2010 and rejoined boyhood club West Ham a year ago in a bid to gain regular first-team football. He has performed well for the Hammers since his return, scoring five goals in 21 Premier League games. Doubts about his long-term fitness could scupper plans for a new contract, although it would seem Cole may be willing to take a wage cut in order to stay at the Boleyn Ground.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Sebastian Larsson (Sunderland) - An important player in the Sunderland side as they fight for survival, Larsson could be one of the high earners sacrificed in order to cut the wage bill if Gus Poyet’s men go down. The 28-year-old joined the Black Cats from Birmingham three years ago for £5m and the free-kick specialist will be under no illusions that his time could soon come to an end at the Stadium of Light. Hull were linked with a move for him last month and could try to sign Larsson in January for a small fee.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Ricardo Vaz Te (West Ham) - The Portuguese winger surprised many when he handed in a transfer request in the summer, despite having no clubs ready to come in for him. Since then, he has featured intermittently, making just nine appearances in that time with a return of four goals. It seems inevitable that he will be one of the first players to be released in the summer, with a move back to the Championship his most viable option.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Joleon Lescott (Man City) - The England international joined the title challengers from Everton for £24m, joining Mark Hughes’ revolution at Eastlands in 2009. Since then, he has been a reliable member of the squad, and was a key part of the team that won the Premier League title in the 2011/12 season. The 31-year-old remains behind Vincent Kompany, Matija Nastasic and Martin Demichelis in the pecking order, and has been linked with Besiktas and West Ham. If he does leave the Etihad Stadium, he’s unlikely to be short of admirers this summer.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Patrice Evra (Man Utd) - Arguably one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best imports in the 21st century, Evra has grown to become one of the key figures at Old Trafford. Now captain of the side under David Moyes, the Frenchman is no stranger to controversy but has performed brilliantly since arriving from Monaco seven years ago. However, rumours are rife that a return to France for one last payday is a possibility, with PSG and Monaco set to battle it out for his signature. There is no guarantee he will leave the champions, though, and should the Red Devils’ fail in their pursuit of Leighton Baines, there may be another deal on the table.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Fabio (Man Utd) - Fabio joined the club with his twin brother Rafael in 2008 after coming through the ranks at Brazilian club Fluminense, and while the latter has gone on to feature regularly for the club, Fabio has not been quite as fortunate. A loan spell at QPR failed to provide him with many opportunities, and with his deal running out in six months’ time, Fabio may need to find a new club where he can continue his development.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd) - Once a British transfer record holder following his £30m switch from Leeds in 2001, the ex-England international has been at the centre of Manchester United’s success in the past decade. Now he is 35, it could be time for Ferdinand to draw time on his career, especially with the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones emerging in the first team. Ferdinand may be given a coaching role to continue at the club, but his playing days appear to be numbered.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd) - Like Ferdinand, perhaps no one aside from Sir Alex Ferguson could predict the rise of the Serbian international since joining the club from Spartak Moscow in 2006. The 31-year-old won the Champions League as well as four league titles with the Red Devils, and has now made 200 appearances in the Premier League. A rock in the heart of the defence, he has been hampered by injury in recent times, and there have been whispers of a switch to Galatasaray in the summer if he is to leave the club.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Shola Ameobi (Newcastle) - Aside from a short spell at Stoke on loan in the 2008/09 season, Ameobi has spent his entire career at St James’ Park. Since making his debut in 2000, the Nigeria international has made over 300 appearances for the Magpies, and has proved himself to be a fan’s favourite in that time. A player with a direct aerial threat and eye for goal, Ameobi is an ideal target man. However, his failure to score this season in 14 games suggests that he could well make an emotional departure from the club this summer after losing his place in the team to Loic Remy.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Craig Gardner (Sunderland) - Very much a trusted part of the Sunderland team under Paolo Di Canio, Gardner has had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench under Gus Poyet. The 27-year-old is a useful asset for the North East outfit with a powerful right foot, and has shown real determination in the centre of the park when required. It seems unlikely that Sunderland would want to release a player that cost them £6m just three years ago, but with Gardner wanting to play in the Premier League, they may have no choice.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Michael Turner (Norwich) - Despite seeing his reputation rise with Hull and Sunderland, Turner has failed to reproduce his best form since moving to Carrow Road. The 30-year-old sees his two-year deal expire in the summer and much like a lot of Premier League clubs at present, their future in the Premier League is uncertain. A move back to Hull could be an option to reunite him with former boss Steve Bruce, now manager of the Tigers.
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The best players available for free this summer - including, Dimitar Berbatov, Ashley Cole and Nemanja Vidic Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) - The Trinidad and Tobago striker was courted by the likes of Chelsea before switching to Stoke, and the Blues may have dodged a bullet. Jones may offer an alternative dimension to team’s style of play but his goals record has been way below what would have been expected, with just 13 goals in 88 Premier League games. Despite this, the 29-year-old has drawn interest from Swansea and Everton and could join either side having become surplus to requirements at the Britannia Stadium.
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