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The January transfer window is now in full swing and potential bargains could be on offer with plenty of world class players nearing the end of their contracts.
European clubs are free to negotiate pre-contract agreements with players entering the final six months of their current deals, with some of the continent’s best players set to move on free transfers at the end of the season.
A new list compiled by The Mirror has put together a formidable starting XI of players who are free to speak to other clubs from January 1.
Goalkeeper – Andre Onana
Onana was suspended for 12 months in February after testing positive for a banned substance and Dutch champions Ajax are not expected to extend the goalkeeper’s contract when it expires at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old free to seek opportunities elsewhere this month, with Barcelona and Inter Milan said to be interested in the Cameroon international.
Right-back - Noussair Mazraoui
Another Ajax player who could leave on a free at the end of the season, Mazraoui has also been linked with a move to La Liga giants Barcelona.
The 24-year-old has attracted interest after continuing his fine form this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists in his 14 Eredivisie appearances.
Centre-back – Antonio Rudiger
One of the most highly-rated defenders in the Premier League, Rudiger has stalled on signing a new contract at Chelsea
According to reports, Rudiger could become the highest-paid defender in world football if he leaves on a free transfer – with Manchester United and Bayern Munich among a number of top clubs reportedly keen on the Germany international.
Centre-back - Niklas Sule
The second Germany international on the list, Sule is yet to commit his future to Bayern Munich and could negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club this month.
Newly rich Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Bayern this season.
Left-back – Sead Kolasinac
Arsenal’s forgotten man Kolasinac has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates and is not expected to be offered a new deal in north London.
The 28-year-old spent part of last season on loan at Schalke but couldn’t prevent the team from suffering relegation.
Centre-mid - Franck Kessie
A number of top European clubs have been linked with a move for Ivory Coast international Kessie, including Manchester United and Tottenham.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old, who has scored five goals in 16 Serie A appearances this season.
Centre-mid – Paul Pogba
Pogba has failed to live up to his £89m price-tag at Manchester United and could now leave the club on a free transfer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have been consistently linked with the France international, who has previously said it would be a “dream” to play at the Bernabeu.
Centre-mid - Denis Zakaria
Borussia Monchengladbach have been unable to tie Zakaria down to a new contract and the midfielder could be set to leave German football soon.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Zakaria and are said to view the 25-year-old as an ideal replacement for his Switzerland team-mate Granit Xhaka.
Right-wing – Ousmane Dembele
Dembele has endured a frustrating time at Barcelona since arriving in a £105m move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
The France international has struggled with injuries throughout his time at the Nou Camp and could now be allowed to leave for free, with Barcelona desperate to reduce their wage bill to remain with La Liga’s salary cap rules.
Manchester United and Newcastle are among a number of clubs to have been linked with the 24-year-old.
Striker – Kylian Mbappe
Without a doubt the most high-profile name on the list, Kylian Mbappe is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Madrid had a whopping £170m bid for Mbappe rejected by Paris Saint-Germain on the final day of the summer transfer window, and the France international is now expected to move to the Bernabeu for free this summer.
Left-wing – Lorenzo Insigne
Euro 2020 winner Insigne could be set to leave Napoli at the end of the season with the club yet to offer him a new deal.
West Ham, Newcastle and Toronto FC have all been linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who has scored four goals and provided five assists in 15 Serie A games this season.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, Moussa Dembele, Antonio Rudiger, Chelsea, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Football, Transfers
Rory O'Callaghan