Although the transfer window closed on Monday, there are still plenty of free agents available for clubs to sign. However, with clubs having to submit their 25-man squad lists for the Premier League, these players might not be able to play unless there is space available. With Carlton Cole looking set to re-join West Ham, there is hope for these 11 players yet.
Craig Gordon
Three transfer windows have now come and gone since Gordon was released by Sunderland at the end of the 2011/12 season. Only 30-years-old, the Scot is relatively young compared to some of the veterans in this XI and considerably young for a goalkeeper. Once pulled off the "best save in football history" according to the title of this video.
William Gallas
The only player to have played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham may be reluctant to leave London, having spent the last 12 years there. Crystal Palace were said to be interested as recently as last week while the 36-year-old was also to be in talks with Melbourne Victory, according to this article, which uses the word "marquee" an impressive seven times.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos
The former Liverpool centre back was released after an unsuccessful spell at Wolfsburg, where he was loaned out to Sunderland last year. According to Wikipedia, the 34-year-old Greek "is known for his powerful heading". I know him as 'that guy whose name I can't spell'.
Titus Bramble
Incredibly, nobody has snapped up Bramble, who has been a Premier League mainstay since 2002. Spent time training during the summer training with West Ham and his first club, Ipswich but neither side offered the 32-year-old a contract, despite the fact that he once took on the Crossbar Challenge and won (Mido lost).
Ricardo Gardner
Released by Bolton after 14 years and 410 appearances between 1998 and 2012, the Jamaican had an unsuccessful trial with Real Salt Lake during the summer. If it doesn't work out, he'll always have his music career, something he's a lot better at than most footballers turned singers.
David Bentley
Having spent the last two years on loan, Bentley was released by Tottenham at the end of last season. Recently turned 29, the winger has reportedly attracted interest from European giants Levski Sofia, FC Utrecht and Espanyol. His attempts to switch to a career as a story-teller has not been a success.
Mahamadou Diarra
Released by Fulham after one season, Diarra enjoyed a successful spell at Real Madrid until he was replaced by his namesake Lassana Diarra. By the time you read this, the 32-year-old could in fact be back at Fulham so time for this writer to pull the finger out.
Yossi Benayoun
Another player who was in talks with free-agent chasers Crystal Palace last week, the Israel captain was also linked with Getafe. After failing to break into the Chelsea team, Benayoun was loaned to Arsenal and West Ham in the past two seasons before being released. Can do things with the ball that few others can match.
Stephen Hunt
Presumably spent the summer running around like a mad man in search of a new club after being released by Wolves. The Waterford man was linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Valenciennes but wants to stay in England. In May, the 32-year-old told Balls that he will probably cut his hair short when he retires so let's hope that doesn't happen for a few years yet; we're not sure we couldn't handle it.
Mladen Petric
Amazing that nobody has come in for a player who has played for Croatia as recently as March. Released by Fulham after just one season, Petric was linked with Reading in August. Like Gary Doherty, Petric can also be deployed as a defender.
Ivan Klasnic
Completing an all Croatian strikeforce, Klasnic was linked with Liverpool and Deportivo La Coruna after Bolton's relegation in 2012. Eventually he joined Mainz but played just 67 minutes of football for the club last season.
