For several clubs, a new year brings with it the looming prospect of losing valuable assets on a free. Thanks to the progression of EU law and burst of self-important agents, more and more players are allowing their contracts run in the hope of an improved deal.
For any club outside of the upper echelon, there is always the prospect of a bargain signing thanks to an expired contract. Recently, even top-ranking clubs like Juventus have looked to free signings as a means to replenish their squad.
Here are just some of the bargain players who can now begin discussions with rival clubs.
Petr Cech
The Arsenal shot-stopper holds the Premier League record for most clean sheets and started the season as Unai Emery's number one but now looks destined to depart this summer. At 36-years-old, Cech remains a good short-term option for a club looking to bolster their goalkeeper ranks. It remains to be seen if he is content to play back-up.
Ashley Young
A loyal servant of Jose Mourinho's who slotted in at left-back with relative success. Young moved to Old Trafford from Aston Villa in 2011. Last year, he signed a one-year extension to his contract. Reports today linked him with a move to Seria A side Inter Milan.
Diego Godin
It is an interesting time for Atletico Madrid, who are currently three points off the top of the La Liga. However, it has been reported in recent days that Diego Godin and Felipe Luis have both rejected contract extensions. Godin is 32 and came into the season on the back of a summer tournament with the World Cup but has demonstrated he can still contribute.
David Luiz
Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri has spoken of his desire to hold onto Luiz, who has starred at the heart of their defence this season. Yet the club have an established policy of only offering players over 30 a one-year contract extension which could make an agreement tricky.
Aaron Ramsey
Another player with an expiring contract in 2019. Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey has been locked in an ongoing contract saga with Arsenal that has been well-documented. He has been linked with several European superclubs including Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Adrien Rabot
The PSG talisman is reported to have recently turned down a third contract offer from the club with Barcelona circling. He would represent a remarkable free signing and it is perhaps indicative of the football management ability of the club's hierarchy that they have failed to tie him down so far.
Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard looks likely to be another victim of Chelsea's one-year contract extension policy but has demonstrated in recent weeks his ability when called upon. Fabregas may not be capable of playing every week but he certainly represents a bargain squad player.
Ander Herrera
A regular in the Manchester United team under both Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Jose Mourinho yet despite numerous reports that a deal is close he is now free to begin discussions with other clubs.
Yacine Brahimi
Man United were rumoured to have sent representatives to watch the Porto attacker last winter as the final six months of his contract approached. However, in recent days he has been linked with a host of clubs including Spurs, Lazio and Everton.
Danny Welbeck
The striker is recovering from a broken ankle, sustained against Sporting in the Europa League last November. It has already been confirmed that Arsenal will cut him loose but the fact he is available on a free should overcome any concerns about his recovery and convince another Premier League club to swoop in.
Olivier Giroud
Chelsea desperately need a mobile finisher who can complete Maurizio Sarri's system and Oliver Giroud just isn't that player. However, he is a player who has repeatedly shown his ability to function in a 'big one/little one' partnership. Most recently linked to Everton.
