With UEFA's new Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules looming on the horizon, clubs are being compelled to rein in their spending or fall foul of the new legislation. Clever player trading has never been more important. Here are six top players available for NOTHING in the summer who could help their new clubs win silverware next season.
1) Didier Drogba (34; 11 March '78): The Ivorian powerhouse striker has been inconsistent this season but has still put in several match-winning performances (notably in the Champions League bullying Valencia at home). He would be a great catch for any clubs beyond Manchester looking for a physical presence to lead the line.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Drogba
2) Raul (34; 27 June ’77): He may be at the latter stage of his career but the Spanish veteran still has the quality to affect games. His sharp finishing has seen him score 25 goals in 60 league games over the last two years, while he's the Champions League's record all-time scorer. Henrik Larsson and Paul Scholes have both proved that experienced players can make a difference to the right team.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raúl_González
3) Riccardo Montolivo (27; 18 Jan ’85): The central midfielder from Florence is available for nothing in the summer. Despite a poor season in a struggling Fiorentina team, this regista still has the eye for a pass and the ability to retain possession and help put his side on the front foot. He has played a regular role in Cesare Prandelli's Euro 2012-qualifying Azzuri side.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montolivo
4) Tim Wiese (30; 17 Dec ’81): The German Nationalmannschaft 2010 World Cup third keeper recently announced that he'll be leaving Werder Bremen after seven years. He'll prove to be a shrewd bargain for whoever picks him up.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Wiese
5) Salomon Kalou (26; 5 Aug ’85): The striker-cum-winger is adaptable enough to play in any frontline role. His speed, strength and close-range finishing ability will surely result in more first team football as long as he leaves Chelsea for pastures new.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salomon_Kalou
6) Mathieu Flamini (28; 7 March ’84): Industry, aggression and full-blooded commitment come as standard with AC Milan midfielder Flamini. His 2011-12 season has been disrupted by a serious knee injury, but should he be released, he'd make an excellent fulcrum for whichever club supplies his next contract.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathieu_Flamini
