The pick of the players who will be available on a free transfer from the English top tier.
As always the summer is set to be a busy period for transfers in the Premier League as millions of pounds is spent to bring in the best talent available.
However, there are also a number of players from the English top tier that can be signed on a free transfer due to their contract expiration and here is a starting XI of the best.
GK – Mark Schwarzer, Chelsea
At 41-years-old the Australian is hardly a signing for the future and could well retire if he doesn’t receive a decent enough offer – although Schwarzer’s performances for the Blues when called upon shows the veteran can still cut it at the top.
RB – Bacary Sagna, Arsenal
One of the most talked about transfer sagas of the close season so far, with the Gunners wanting to retain the Frenchman but are unprepared to give the right-back the wages he thinks he deserves.
LB – Ashley Cole, Chelsea
Another high profile full-back and despite the fact Cole is now 33-years-old there is no reason to think the Englishman can not still perform in the Champions League or at the very top of his game.
CB – Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United
The 35-year-old was not offered a new contract at Old Trafford and after 12 years of success with the club will move on for perhaps the last time in his brilliant career.
CB – Joleon Lescott, Manchester City
Another former England defender who cost a significant amount upon joining City from Everton in 2009 for £22m, but has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium over the past two years.
CM – Frank Lampard, Chelsea
Whether Lampard will stay at Stamford Bridge or not is unknown currently, although after 13 years in west London the 35-year-old is recognised by many as the club’s greatest ever player.
CM – Gareth Barry, Manchester City (on-loan at Everton)
Less than 12 months ago many were thinking Barry’s best days were behind him, yet a season on-loan at Goodison Park has changed all that and the Toffees may look to sign the midfielder themselves.
RW – Anthony Pilkington, Norwich City
As one of the better performers at Carrow Road in a campaign that saw them relegated, Pilkington is almost certain to leave the Canaries for pastures new.
CAM – Joe Cole, West Ham United
It seems a long time since Cole was a stalwart in both the Chelsea and England teams, but despite having endured some difficult times of late the attacking midfielder still has much to offer.
LW – Tom Ince, Blackpool (on-loan at Crystal Palace)
Although not technically a top flight player due to being owned by Blackpool, Ince did spent the last six months at Selhurst Park and many top English sides are looking to sign the winger.
ST – Samuel Eto’o, Chelsea
Was signed from Anzhi Makhachkala last summer as an emergency transfer to help out in attack and whilst Eto’o may not be as sharp as in his Barcelona days, the Cameroon international could still be a useful acquisition.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.