FORGET the staggering prices quoted for second-rate
footballers - there are still bargain transfers out there. With the
mid-season transfer window slammed shut, many managers are already
preparing for next season in or out of the
Premiership.
Aside from Chelsea, every club has to work within strict budgets -
and all find nothing more satisfying than the arrival of a big name
on a free transfer. So whether it is an overseas star, a reliable
Premiership goalscorer or a promising lower league star, clubs will
fight it out for the players coming to the of their
contracts.
Here we have complied the Bosman XI - the best players soon to be
available on free transfers at home and abroad.
Jens Lehmann
The Arsenal goalkeeper is in the autumn of his career and may fancy
one last challenge away from the Gunners. Lehmann will turn 38 in
November and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is refusing to offer his
No1 anything other than a one-year deal. The Germany international
is keen to secure a two-year contract and could end his time at the
Emirates Stadium come June. Bargain rating: 8/10
Mark Delaney
The Aston Villa defender has been plagued with injuries in the past
two seasons. Delaney will miss the rest of the season and is
understood to have played his last game in the claret shirt. But if
the Welshman can prove the doubters wrong and return to full
fitness, there will be a queue of clubs ready to sign him.
6/10
Alessandro Nesta
The elegant Italian international has put a host of top European
sides on red alert with his contract nearing its completion. Nesta
has been one of the continents most impressive defenders in recent
years and won the Champions League with AC Milan. The Italian
giants desperately do no want to lose him for nothing but that
decision is seemingly out of their hands. 10/10
Tal Ben Haim
Boltons towering Israeli defender is desperate to join one of the
Premiership big boys. Ben Haim, 24, believes he is capable of
playing at the very top and has welcomed Chelseas recent interest
in him. Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is accustomed to finding bargain
buys himself but this is one free transfer he doesnt want to
happen. 9/10
Sylvain Distin
The French star has rejected a new contract at Manchester City in
favour of a final bumper deal in his career. Distin turns 30 this
year and wants one last shot at silverware something he feels is
not possible at Eastlands. The defender is understood to want to
stay in England expect a rush of Premiership clubs to fight for
his signature. 8/10
Steve Sidwell
Readings influential midfielder has played a game of cat and mouse
with the club in the past 12 months. Sidwell, aware that a host of
Premiership clubs are ready to tempt him away from the Madejski
Stadium, is leaving his options open until the last minute.
Readings impressive debut season in the top-flight has altered the
ex-Arsenal players views on leaving but he knows the dangers of
staying with the club in the hazardous second year in the
Premiership. 9/10
Zoltan Gera
The Hungarian midfielder is set to leave West Brom whether or not
they are promoted to the Premiership. Gera showed admirable loyalty
to the Baggies by staying with them after last seasons relegation.
But the dangerous forward knows a host of top-flight clubs will be
waiting with big offers as the season climaxes. 8/10
Aldo Duscher
The Argentina international - famous for breaking David Beckham's
foot - is refusing to agree a new deal at Deportivo La Coruna.
Duscher has fallen out with the Spanish sides coach and fancies a
move to another country. Lyon are attempting to bring him to
France, but it is understood Manchester United are also monitoring
the situation. 9/10
Matt Jarvis
The Gillingham winger is regarded as one of the most exciting young
attackers in Englands lower leagues. Still only 20, Jarvis has
already attracted interest from the Premiership and that is where
his future lies. Born in Middlesbrough, the affable youngster may
consider a move back to the north-west with Newcastle and Boro both
monitoring his progress. 7/10
Mark Viduka
The Aussie hitman has retained his admirers despite a difficult
three years at Middlesbrough. Viduka, 31, has struggled with
injuries and form on Teeside but plenty of clubs are eyeing his
situation. The ex-Leeds ace believes he can still play for a
top-six club and will hold out for one last big Premiership pay-day
- at the Riverside or elsewhere. 7/10
Kanu
The Nigerian forward has been a revelation since arriving at
Portsmouth in the summer. Released by West Brom, Kanu earned a
surprise return to the Premiership and has yet to let anyone down.
The Pompey ace has publicly discussed his options including a
return to Dutch giants Ajax as he attempts to secure a long-term
deal by the end of the season. 8/10
Substitutes:
Dida
AC Milans Brazilian keeper may be 33 but a number of clubs
including Arsenal - believe he has another two years at the top.
7/10
Kris Commons
The lively Nottingham Forest midfielder has impressed in League One
and is now ready for the big time. 7/10
Trevor Sinclair
The Manchester City winger has struggled with injuries this season
but can still be a matchwinner on his day. 5/10
Robbie Fowler
Liverpools veteran striker is set to be booted out of Anfield for
a second time but his goals could be valuable to another
Premiership side. 6/10
Teddy Sheringham
The West Ham forward turns 41 in April but he continues to excel at
the highest level and could suit one of the promoted sides.
6/10
And if youre really
desperate
Titus Bramble and Craig Moore
The error-prone Newcastle defensive duo could be short on offers
when their contracts conclude. Bramble has endured five nightmare
seasons at St James Park and the Geordie fans have had enough of
his mistakes. Moore has only been at Newcastle for two years but is
also regarded as a liability on the terraces. 1/10
