With Lewandowski, Pirlo, Valdes and Diego available for NOTHING next summer, here's our guide to Europe's top players out of contract who could be a bargain in January
By SAM CUNNINGHAM
PUBLISHED: 14:08, 20 December 2013 | UPDATED: 17:57, 20 December 2013
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We are less than two weeks away from the January transfer window flying open.
While shops across the country will be going mad with the January sales, the same will be happening in football where there are plenty of bargains on offer.
Here, Sportsmail gives you the low-down on the top 10 players in Europe who are out of contract next summer and who could move for cut-price deals.
Robert Lewandowski, 25, striker, Borussia Dortmund
The Polish hit man, one of the hottest properties in football, will reveal where he plans to move in January. Bayern Munich is the most likely destination, but don’t rule out one of the top Barclays Premier League clubs stepping in. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move, while Real Madrid are also said to be interested.
Main man: Robert Lewandowski (left) is likely to leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich for nothing
Match highlights: Borussia Dortmund 6-1 Stuttgart
Xabi Alonso, 32, midfielder, Real Madrid
The former Liverpool midfielder has been strongly tipped to rejoin his former club, although this has been disputed by key figures in Spain. The Real fans are desperate for him to stay and have been making that clear by their support for him during recent matches. There are also reports in Spain that Jose Mourinho may make a move to bring him to Chelsea.
Maestro: Xabi Alonso could be on his way out of Real Madrid on the cheap
Real Madrid in training ahead of league trip to Osasuna
Andrea Pirlo, 34, midfielder, Juventus
It is more than likely that Pirlo, one of the most highly-respected players in the game, will sign a contract extension with Juventus in January. The Italian club are certainly confident the new deal they plan to offer him will be sufficient. He would still garner interest from the best clubs in Europe, so expect that to be tested in January.
Playmaker: Italy and Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo (right) battles against Fiorentina's Borja Valero
Playful Andrea Pirlo delivers post-match in a fright mask
Bafetimbi Gomis, 28, striker, Lyon
Will the French striker finally be on his way to England? His agent said that is where he wants to move to. Newcastle are the most likely club to move for him. They almost signed him in the summer only for a disagreement over wages to scupper the transfer. Cardiff and Swansea are also keeping tabs on him.
On his way: France striker Bafetimbi Gomis is looking to leave Lyon
Jeremy Menez, 26, forward, Paris Saint-Germain
The French forward’s availability is interesting a clutch of clubs throughout Europe. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but they may face competition from Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus. He looks set to leave, though, with PSG reluctant to offer him a new deal.
No room: Jeremy Menez is unlikely to be offered a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain
Victor Valdes, 31, goalkeeper, Barcelona
The goalkeeper has been out for the past six weeks with with a calf injury and his Barcelona days look numbered. Paris Saint-Germain are keen on him, while reports in Spain suggest that Manchester City are also in the frame. That would be bad news for England No 1 Joe Hart.
On the move? Victor Valdes may be looking for a new challenge and could leave Barcelona
Valdes gets red card at the end of the match
Diego, 28, midfielder, Wolfsburg
The Brazilian attacking midfielder is almost certain to leave the Bundesliga side. He is hankering for a move to the Premier League and has publicly stated he would be interested in joining Arsenal or Southampton. His style of play would certainly suit both clubs, yet both have a wealth of attacking midfield options already.
Star performer: Diego (left) is angling for a move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League
Esteban Cambiasso, 33, midfielder, Inter
He is another older head who could add experience to the midfield at top sides across the world. Inter are reportedly keen to keep hold of him, but a move back to his home country Argentina is not out of the question.
Coming or going? Esteban Cambiasso may be swayed by a move back to his native Argentina
Urby Emanuelson, 27, midfielder, AC Milan
He has already experienced English football while on loan at Fulham, where former boss Martin Jol was disappointed to see him leave after a short spell. The Dutch midfielder has said he would be keen on playing in the Premier League again.
Return: Urby Emanuelson is keen on a return to the Premier League after a short spell with Fulham
PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT NEXT SUMMER
Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o, Bacary Sagna, Younes Kaboul, Patrice Evra, John Terry, Joleon Lescott,Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand
Blaise Matuidi, 26, midfielder, Paris Saint-Germain
There are rumours that Chelsea and Manchester City are preparing pre-contract offers for Matuidi should he fail to agree new terms with PSG. The midfielder is open to a Premier League move, but is waiting to see what his current club put on the table.
Tireless: Blaise Matuidi could be persuaded to move to England if PSG fail to agree terms with the midfielder
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ntract-bargain-buy-January.html#ixzz2o2kYqMg6
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
By SAM CUNNINGHAM
PUBLISHED: 14:08, 20 December 2013 | UPDATED: 17:57, 20 December 2013
63
View
comments
We are less than two weeks away from the January transfer window flying open.
While shops across the country will be going mad with the January sales, the same will be happening in football where there are plenty of bargains on offer.
Here, Sportsmail gives you the low-down on the top 10 players in Europe who are out of contract next summer and who could move for cut-price deals.
Robert Lewandowski, 25, striker, Borussia Dortmund
The Polish hit man, one of the hottest properties in football, will reveal where he plans to move in January. Bayern Munich is the most likely destination, but don’t rule out one of the top Barclays Premier League clubs stepping in. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with a move, while Real Madrid are also said to be interested.
Main man: Robert Lewandowski (left) is likely to leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich for nothing
Match highlights: Borussia Dortmund 6-1 Stuttgart
Xabi Alonso, 32, midfielder, Real Madrid
The former Liverpool midfielder has been strongly tipped to rejoin his former club, although this has been disputed by key figures in Spain. The Real fans are desperate for him to stay and have been making that clear by their support for him during recent matches. There are also reports in Spain that Jose Mourinho may make a move to bring him to Chelsea.
Maestro: Xabi Alonso could be on his way out of Real Madrid on the cheap
Real Madrid in training ahead of league trip to Osasuna
Andrea Pirlo, 34, midfielder, Juventus
It is more than likely that Pirlo, one of the most highly-respected players in the game, will sign a contract extension with Juventus in January. The Italian club are certainly confident the new deal they plan to offer him will be sufficient. He would still garner interest from the best clubs in Europe, so expect that to be tested in January.
Playmaker: Italy and Juventus midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo (right) battles against Fiorentina's Borja Valero
Playful Andrea Pirlo delivers post-match in a fright mask
Bafetimbi Gomis, 28, striker, Lyon
Will the French striker finally be on his way to England? His agent said that is where he wants to move to. Newcastle are the most likely club to move for him. They almost signed him in the summer only for a disagreement over wages to scupper the transfer. Cardiff and Swansea are also keeping tabs on him.
On his way: France striker Bafetimbi Gomis is looking to leave Lyon
Jeremy Menez, 26, forward, Paris Saint-Germain
The French forward’s availability is interesting a clutch of clubs throughout Europe. He has been linked with a move to Liverpool, but they may face competition from Inter Milan, Roma and Juventus. He looks set to leave, though, with PSG reluctant to offer him a new deal.
No room: Jeremy Menez is unlikely to be offered a contract extension at Paris Saint-Germain
Victor Valdes, 31, goalkeeper, Barcelona
The goalkeeper has been out for the past six weeks with with a calf injury and his Barcelona days look numbered. Paris Saint-Germain are keen on him, while reports in Spain suggest that Manchester City are also in the frame. That would be bad news for England No 1 Joe Hart.
On the move? Victor Valdes may be looking for a new challenge and could leave Barcelona
Valdes gets red card at the end of the match
Diego, 28, midfielder, Wolfsburg
The Brazilian attacking midfielder is almost certain to leave the Bundesliga side. He is hankering for a move to the Premier League and has publicly stated he would be interested in joining Arsenal or Southampton. His style of play would certainly suit both clubs, yet both have a wealth of attacking midfield options already.
Star performer: Diego (left) is angling for a move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League
Esteban Cambiasso, 33, midfielder, Inter
He is another older head who could add experience to the midfield at top sides across the world. Inter are reportedly keen to keep hold of him, but a move back to his home country Argentina is not out of the question.
Coming or going? Esteban Cambiasso may be swayed by a move back to his native Argentina
Urby Emanuelson, 27, midfielder, AC Milan
He has already experienced English football while on loan at Fulham, where former boss Martin Jol was disappointed to see him leave after a short spell. The Dutch midfielder has said he would be keen on playing in the Premier League again.
Return: Urby Emanuelson is keen on a return to the Premier League after a short spell with Fulham
PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS OUT OF CONTRACT NEXT SUMMER
Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o, Bacary Sagna, Younes Kaboul, Patrice Evra, John Terry, Joleon Lescott,Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand
Blaise Matuidi, 26, midfielder, Paris Saint-Germain
There are rumours that Chelsea and Manchester City are preparing pre-contract offers for Matuidi should he fail to agree new terms with PSG. The midfielder is open to a Premier League move, but is waiting to see what his current club put on the table.
Tireless: Blaise Matuidi could be persuaded to move to England if PSG fail to agree terms with the midfielder
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ntract-bargain-buy-January.html#ixzz2o2kYqMg6
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