The best XI of free agents available this summer reads like a Champions League team, including Lallana, Cavani and Gotze
EDINSON CAVANI, Adam Lallana and Mario Gotze are just three huge name players out of contract this summer.
The new year means stars with just six months left on their current deals are able to negotiate pre-contract terms.
Hundreds of football's biggest names are set to be released on a free on July 1, as things stand.
We've put together a best XI of those players, below - as well as a few notable others...
GOALKEEPER
Joe Hart
ONCE undisputed England No1 and top stopper at Premier League champions Manchester City - things have gone somewhat downhill for Hart.
Sub-par loan spells at Torino and West Ham saw him ultimately leave the Etihad to join Burnley, where he's played just twice this season, both in cup competition.
The 32-year-old is expected to leave on a free this summer and won't be short of suitors with Aston Villa hopeful of landing the former Three Lions ace.
Notable others: John Ruddy, Karl Darlow, Walter Benitez
DEFENDERS
Thomas Meunier, Nacho, Jan Vertonghen, Layvin Kurzawa
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN bizarrely seem fairly content to let some of their biggest names walk away for free this summer.
Thiago Silva is joined by Meunier and Kurzawa in having just months left on their current deals and all would be an asset to almost any club in Europe.
Real Madrid star Nacho is into the final six months of his deal and is so versatile he has been played right across the back line.
Spurs' Jan Vertonghen is expected to follow in team-mate Toby Alderweireld's footsteps and sign a new deal... but for now, he's available on a free in the summer.
Notable others: Thiago Silva, Nathaniel Clyne
MIDFIELDERS
Adam Lallana, Blaise Matuidi, David Silva
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN looked like being a part of this list but his protracted move to Inter Milan was finally confirmed in the January transfer window.
That means Liverpool's Lallana is the other talented playmaker to fill his spot in this XI.
Matuidi would still be huge addition to many teams with his commanding performances in central midfield and on the left.
Matic has the option for another year in his Man Utd contract but it remains to be seen if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will activate it.
Neighbour David Silva has confirmed he will leave City after 10 years.
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FORWARDS
Willian, Edinson Cavani, Mario Gotze
A HOST of big-name forwards are available for nought this summer - with three Chelsea stars up for grabs.
Willian would certainly get in the starting line-up after showing flashes of brilliance this term, and his struggling club-mates Pedro and Olivier Giroud are also available.
Cavani is being chased by both Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Atletico Madrid, after still proving he's one of the world's top strikers.
Gotze is another big-name star set for release - while Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon and once Arsenal and Liverpool target Ryan Fraser could be available.
Notable others: Ryan Fraser, Dries Mertens, Jose Callejon, Pedro, Olivier Giroud