A selection of free agents and those deemed surplus to requirements and where they could end up.
Sky Sports offers up a selection of free agents and those deemed surplus to requirements and wonders where they could end up
The transfer window may have closed, but there is still plenty of opportunity for deals to be done.
Free agents remain up for grabs, while those deemed surplus to requirements by their respective clubs will be keen to head out on loan.
You may think that such a pool is void of talent, with anyone left on the shelf at this point likely to be spending their weekends in front of the box watching
Soccer Saturday.
There is, however, plenty of experience and international quality to be found if you look in the right places.
Here,
Sky Sports offers up a selection of those still without a club and offers a suggestion as to where they could end up.
Emile Heskey
Heskey has made close to 700 senior appearances over the course of an 18-year career and has won 62 caps for England. He is now 34 years of age, but any side looking for a powerful figure to lead their line could do a lot worse. It is unlikely that his vast experience will be allowed to go to waste, but he may be forced to accept that his time in the Premier League has come to an end.
Where will he end up? Would suit an ambitious Championship side in need of a few older, wiser heads - a return to Leicester perhaps - or a club finding its feet in the top flight.
Harry Kewell
Back in England due to family reasons, Kewell is looking to prolong a career which has taken in spells at Leeds, Liverpool, Galatasaray and Melbourne Victory. The Australian forward was once one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League, but injuries have somewhat tarnished his reputation. He may be 33, but that makes him younger than Frank Lampard and he could still do a job for a side in need of a technically-gifted playmaker.
Where will he end up? Still good enough to play at a competitive level and reports linking him with Blackburn come as no surprise. A top-half Championship club would appear to be the best bet.
Nigel Reo-Coker
Has captained Wimbledon, West Ham, Aston Villa and Bolton, suggesting he is the kind of player managers like to have around. Hard-working, tough in the tackle and capable of popping up with the odd goal, it comes as something of a surprise to find Reo-Coker still splashing around in the free agent pool. A proven top-flight performer and he is still only 28.
Where will he end up? Has admitted that he is keen to prolong his Premier League career, despite receiving approaches from abroad, and Fulham could yet come up with an offer to entice him to Craven Cottage.
John Mensah
He may have dodgy knees, but Ledley King proved that you do not have to train every day to be a top Premier League performer. Mensah showed during a two-year loan spell at Sunderland that he is capable of holding his own in the English top flight. Released by Panathinaikos, the Ghana international still has plenty to offer a side willing to take a gamble on his fitness.
Where will he end up? Aston Villa are hardly blessed with centre-half options, while West Ham are said to hold an interest. Would be a useful squad player for any side outside of the elite.
Jason Koumas
In July 2007, Wigan splashed out £5.3million to lure Koumas away from West Brom. Five years on and the midfielder has found himself without a club for the past 12 months. The Latics parted with his services in 2011 and the Wales international was unable to find new employment. Too good a player to be left on the scrapheap, he could prove to be a shrewd addition for any manager willing to help him back to form and fitness.
Where will he end up? Has been training with Sheffield Wednesday and has shone at Championship level in the past. When full of confidence, he could make an impact with any side in the second tier.
Craig Gordon
The £9million Sunderland paid Hearts for his services in 2007 made him the most expensive goalkeeper in British football - a record which has since been taken by Manchester United's David De Gea. A Scotland international who should be at the peak of his powers at the age of 29, Gordon is ready to make a decision on his future after spending the summer weighing up his options.
Where will he end up? A return to his Scottish roots makes plenty of sense, and Celtic are said to be keen. They already have Fraser Forster, though, and an extended stay in the Premier League may be more advisable. Wherever he goes he will face competition, but Southampton and West Ham could be options.
Thomas Hitzlsperger
Would still be at West Ham had they not been relegated out of the Premier League in 2010/11. Hitzlsperger's short stay at Upton Park was brought to a close following the Hammers' demotion, with only one year served of a three-year deal. A midfielder with plenty of experience in English football, international pedigree and a hammer of a left foot, he is available after being released by Wolfsburg.
Where will he end up? There has been a surprising lack of interest in his services from England and he could become the latest European export to the American MLS.
James McFadden
Like Koumas, a player blessed with creative talent in abundance but one prone to injury and inconsistency. Ended last season taking in a second spell at Everton, but the Toffees decided against offering him a permanent deal. If he can steer clear of the treatment table, McFadden has shown in the past that he is capable of troubling the best defences in the business.
Where will he end up? Motherwell appear to have given up in their efforts to bring him back to Fir Park and he may have to accept that starting again in the Championship is the best option available to him.
DJ Campbell
Moving on from the free agents and into those left out of 25-man Premier League squads, Campbell is among those to have paid the price for a busy summer of transfer activity at Queens Park Rangers. It has never really happened for him at Loftus Road, following his arrival last summer, but he got goals in the top flight for Blackpool and is a proven marksman in the Football League.
Where will he end up? Ian Holloway would likely relish the opportunity to bring him back to Bloomfield Road on loan. Huddersfield and Bristol City have been mentioned as possible destinations.
Luke Young
Another of those to have been overlooked by QPR manager Mark Hughes, Young was involved in the England set-up as recently as 2009. He has spent a 15-year career turning out in the Premier League for Tottenham, Charlton, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and QPR. A versatile performer who can provide cover across the back four, Young should have no shortage of options to consider.
Where will he end up? Most managers would welcome the addition of a player who can operate in numerous positions, but he will want regular games at the age of 33. More than capable of doing a job for a mid-table Premier League side.
Michael Johnson
Forever included on lists of this sort, it appears Manchester City have finally given up on the 24-year-old midfielder. After bursting onto the scene in 2006, it appeared as though Johnson was destined for big things. England U21 recognition followed, but a succession of serious injuries have damaged, possibly beyond repair, what was a promising career. Needs a fresh start and should have no trouble securing his release from City.
Where will he end up? Has to prove himself all over again and will likely have to do that away from the spotlight. Took in a loan spell at Leicester last season, but may have to set his sights lower than that.
