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As things stand, there are some very big names in the Premier League whose contract situations seem a bit complicated at the moment.
Whether it is a bargain January transfer move or summer steal, scouts all over Europe are always on the lookout for players whose contracts are in the final stages and can be nicked on the cheap.
Without further ado, let's have a look at the best starting XI of Premier League, who can be available for next to nothing next summer.
Here we used a 3-5-2 formation and for players who didn't make the list, there will be honorable mentions at the end!
Goalkeeper: David De Gea - Manchester United
The highest rated goalkeeper in FIFA 19 David De Gea, clearly hasn't been in the best of the form recently.
The 2017-18 Cadbury Golden Glove winner is a world class player and won't be short of potential suitors should he decide to let his contract expire or force a January move.
But here's the catch, the Red Devils have the option to trigger an extra year's extension to the Spaniard's contract if they wish to, which could partially explain why rumors linking De Gea away from Old Trafford haven't really picked up.
Nonetheless, anything can happen in the world of football and if De Gea refuses to sign the contract extension we are in for an epic transfer saga.
Center-back: Toby Alderweireld - Tottenham Hotspurs
One of the most dependable defenders of the league, Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld has only 8 months left on his contract.
He is yet to sign a new deal with the club and according to reports in the Sun the contract talks have been stalled.
The Belgian ace was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer and that move could finally materialize if he doesn't agree to a new deal at the White Hart Lane.
Like De Gea, his contract too has 'an-extra-year' extension clause, which could complicate things a bit.
Center-back: Jan Vertonghen - Tottenham Hotspurs
The more experienced of Tottenham's center-back duo, Jan Vertonghen can part ways with the club as soon as this January.
After a good start to the season, the Belgian sustained an injury last month that could keep him on the sidelines until December.
Well, this injury does not bode well for his future. At 31-years of age, if the defender is not back to full fitness this season, he may find himself in an awkward situation, where his suitors may become cautious due to his injury and Spurs might not want to extend the contract of an injured 31-year-old player, leaving the former Ajax star in limbo.
Center-Back: David Luiz - Chelsea
The player who was almost frozen out of the main squad last season, David Luiz has emerged as one of the strongest performers under Maurizio Sarri.
Given his stellar performances at the back, it is surprising to see that he only has 8 months left on his contract and can be free to move out of Stamford Bridge come this January.
According to some reports the negotiations for new contract are already underway, but only time will tell if the Brazilian will extend his stay in England or not.
Wing-back: Luke Shaw - Manchester United
This season we have been able to witness a rejuvenated Luke Shaw, who was out to prove why he was worth the £27m coughed up by Manchester United for him in 2014.
Shaw scored in Manchester United's win against Leicester City on the opening day of the league season. But there is still no news regarding his contract extension from either the club or Shaw's representatives.
Interestingly, the Red Devils do not have any extension clause for him. Thus with his contract expiring next summer, he could be one of the hottest prospects out there if he rejects any new deal that United offer him.
Wing-Back: James Milner - Liverpool
A bit of an odd choice at this position, but the versatile Liverpool midfielder would be comfortable in literally any position in this playing XI.
James Milner's contract with the Merseyside club expires next summer and there seems to be an unusual silence around his contract situation.
According to reports, despite a bright start to the season the former England midfielder hasn't been offered a new deal by Liverpool.
They need to act before they loose another key player on a free transfer after their midfield sensation Emre Can joined Juventus for free this summer.
Midfielder: Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal
The 27-year-old Welshman has been in good form in the league. He has scored one goal and assisted another 3 in the league so far.
Ramsey is out of contract at the end of the season and has seen Arsenal withdraw the offer of a new contract last month. Making him one of the biggest free agents in Europe come next summer.
This means that the player is surely moving away from the Emirates stadium and if reports are to believed he may be open to a move to any PL top six club.
Midfielder: Cesc Fabregas - Chelsea
Former Arsenal and Barcelona star, Cesc Fabregas will be out of contract on 30 June 2019. He saw himself drop down the pecking order after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.
Although he claimed that he was eager to stay at Stamford Bridge, no offer is on the cards currently.
Recent reports suggest that he will be on his way back to Spain on a free transfer to Atletico Madrid next summer.
Midfielder: Juan Mata - Manchester United
Juan Mata is one of the many Manchester United players whose contract expires next summer.
The Real Madrid youth academy product scored a stunning free-kick against Newcastle United last week to show that he's still got it.
It was reported last week in the Sun, that the Red Devils are ready to hold showdown contract talks with the Spaniard.
At 30, he may not be a key man at the Old Trafford, but any club would be lucky to land Mata on a free transfer, if the contract talks break down.
Honorable Mentions
Before heading into the attacking front of our playing XI, let's quickly go through the list of some players who couldn't make it into our playing XI, but still would be an attractive dirt-cheap option for any interested club next summer.
Defenders
- Gary Cahill - Chelsea
- Vincent Komapny - Manchester City
- Phil Jones - Manchester United
- Nacho Monreal - Arsenal
- Antonio Valencia - Manchester United
Midfielders
- Ander Herrera - Manchester United
- Moussa Dembele - Tottenham Hotspurs
Forwards
- Danny Welbeck - Arsenal
- Daniel Sturridge - Liverpool
Forward: Olivier Giroud - Chelsea
The former Arsenal striker is out of contract in 8 months and can be a good signing for any club looking for a striker with proven abilities without burning a hole in their pocket.
Olivier Giroud signed up with Chelsea this January on an 18-month contract. His spell at the Stamford Bridge has been decent one, where he has scored quite a few crucial goals coming in as a late substitute.
He is yet to score in the league this season, but that doesn't seem to bother Turkish giants Besiktas who are actively monitoring his contract situation, according to reports from Turkey.
Forward: Anthony Martial - Manchester United
The 22-year-old attacker claims the final spot in this starting XI, to make it an all out French attack alongside his compatriot Giroud.
Anthony Martial has only made 3 starts this season in the league so far and with his contract expiring next summer clouds of uncertainty surround his future.
With his playing time limited under Jose Mourinho, it seems unlikely that the Frenchman is going to pen down a new deal at Old Trafford.
The prospect of Martial being one of the biggest free agents available next summer doesn't seem too far-fetched, given his current contract situation.
