2018 Free Agent XI

Centre-backs

CB: Stefan de Vrij

The time has come for de Vrij to seek out a bigger challenge

Dutch centre-back Stefan de Vrij has risen in stature since joining Lazio from Feyenoord in 2014, being linked with Manchester United innumerable times.

He’s still only 25 years old, and is already one of the best defenders in the Serie A. With 31 appearances for the national team, he was an integral member of the squad that finished 3rd in the 2014 World Cup, notably scoring in the 5-1 group stage demolition of Spain.

Lazio have reportedly told the Dutchman he can leave in January, with Liverpool keeping an eye on him in case their pursuit of compatriot van Dijk doesn’t pay off. United have also been linked with him again.

With the 2018 World Cup fast approaching, de Vrij might consider moving to a bigger club, with the best years of his career still ahead of him.

CB: Giorgio Chiellini

The Italian legend runs out of a contract in June

Chiellini is already 33 years old but is still the first choice for Juventus, which makes the fact that his contract hasn't been renewed yet very puzzling.

There's almost absolutely no chance of Juve letting him leave, and there also haven't been many suitors for him.

Antonio Conte was reportedly keen on being reunited with him at Chelsea, but recent reports from Turin suggest that Allegri is preparing contract renewals for Chiellini, Andrea Barzagle and Alex Sandro.

The Italian legend will probably still be playing at Juve next season, but will still run out of a contract very soon, which gets him a spot on this list,