A Team of Premier League Free Transfers

As we edge closer to that hectic summer transfer window again, it isn't all going to be big-money transfers.

Many footballers will find themselves out of contract and able to make a free transfer, while some will no doubt disappear into the abyss.

Who are the players to be released from Premier League clubs at the end of the current campaign, and can a team be made up of them?

Let's find out!

Goalkeeper: Carlo Cudicini

Veteran goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini has spent most of his time in the Premier League playing backup, firstly at Chelsea and now at Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite that and his age of 38, he is still regarded in some circles as a decent choice between the sticks.

After initially being signed on a free transfer in 2009, it is no surprise that his club are willing to let him leave.

It is doubtful he will be missed at White Hart Lane, where fellow veteran Brad Friedel is No. 1, but he could prove to be a real asset at another club.

Right-Back: Jose Bosingwa

Signed in 2008 for a little over £15 million by then Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, Jose Bosingwa has largely failed to live up to the hype.

After becoming first choice at FC Porto, he went on to make over a century of appearances, becoming best known for his attacking nature up the right side.

However, it is with this style that often comes his biggest criticism: Are his defensive qualities up to scratch?

He's another player who won't be missed, but within this fictional team, he could hopefully form a partnership with a current teammate also looking for a new club this summer.

Centre-Back: Zat Knight

Never a world-beater, Zat Knight has often shown signs of promise, which persuaded Bolton Wanderers to prise him away from Aston Villa.

Signed in 2009, the 31-year-old defender currently finds himself embroiled in a relegation battle at the Reebok Stadium, where he has an important part to play following the departure of Gary Cahill.

His future is very much uncertain and could depend on which league the club finds itself in for the 2012-13 season.

Centre-Back: Jonathan Woodgate

It has been a very topsy-turvy career for Jonathan Woodgate, heavily beset by injuries which hampered a very exciting prospect and potential England regular.

The highlight, and perhaps surprise, was when Real Madrid paid Newcastle close to £15 million to take him to Spain.

However, things didn’t work out, and he was soon back with firstly Middlesbrough and then Tottenham Hotspur.

Stoke City was then the destination after being released from his Spurs contract, where despite a decent start, his performances have been, by his own admission, up and down.

It is yet to be seen whether they will extend his initial one-year contract.

Left-Back: Fabio Aurelio

It is perhaps unfortunate that Fabio Aurelio has had such injury problems, as many Liverpool fans believe he could've been the solution to what has been a problematic position.

After six years in Spain with Valencia, Rafa Benitez, who managed the Brazilian at the La Liga club, brought Aurelio to England on a free transfer.

This summer will also mark the six-year point of his career on Merseyside, where he has mustered over 100 appearances.

Despite almost leaving last summer, he was given an extension, but after injuries once again set, in he now looks certain to leave.

Right-Midfield: Salomon Kalou

Ivorian Salomon Kalou has been phased out of the Chelsea side this year, leading to increasing speculation that he will not be getting an extension to his contract.

Signed in 2006 for just under £10 million, he has gone on to make nearly 250 appearances for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Initially arriving as a striker, his role has largely been shifted to the wings, giving a big thumbs-up to any potential suitors.

He has, however, split fans during his time in England, but he would arrive with a wealth of experience at the highest level.

Centre-Midfield: Danny Guthrie

Newcastle United signed Danny Guthrie in 2008, after failing to break into the Liverpool side.

A successful loan spell to Bolton Wanderers persuaded the North East club to bring him to St. James Park, now the Sports Direct Arena.

Initially, he became something of a favourite with a string of good performances, but he was phased out at the start of the 2010-11 season before sustaining an injury at the start of this campaign.

He is confirmed as leaving in the summer and is rumoured to already have clubs interested in his services.

Centre-Midfield: Mahamadou Diarra

Fulham snapped up Mahamadou Diarra toward the end of last month, following several months as a free agent after leaving relegated Monaco.

It is without doubt that the defensive midfield possesses talent, and the short-term contract he has at Craven Cottage could be a chance for him to put himself in the window.

Real Madrid paid Lyon around £20 million for his services six years ago, where he went on to make over 100 appearances.

It is unknown whether Martin Jol will give Diarra a long-term contract, or if he will once again have to seek a new club.

Left-Midfield: Junior Hoilett

Canadian Junior Hoilett could spark one of the biggest transfer scrambles this summer when his Blackburn Rovers contract expires.

Utilised as a winger at the Ewood Park club, he seems to be linked with a different Premier League club each week.

At just 21 years of age, several sides see the potential that Hoilett has, and it would be no surprise for him to be a star in a few years' time.

The question is which club will win the chase for his signature?

Striker: Hugo Rodallega

Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega divides opinion throughout the country: With his contract coming to an end, at what level should he be playing?

After a little bit of a slow start to his Wigan Athletic career, the goals soon began to flow, finishing as the club's top scorer the past two seasons.

They have, however, dried up as of late—perhaps explaining the club's precarious position—and he looks set to jump ship at the end of the current campaign.

Striker: Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba has been nothing short of immense for Chelsea since his transfer from Marseille in 2004.

He has recently joined the Premier League 100 club, crucially firing goals while £50 million man Fernando Torres continued to struggle.

His wages may be on the high side for a 34-year-old, but is there a side in the Premier League, or indeed Europe, who wouldn't be delighted to have him in their ranks?

It seems almost certain that he will be on his way out of Stamford Bridge, but which side will be the beneficiaries?

The Rest

So, there you have it, a team made up of players that will soon be out of contract.

They may not be world-beaters, but could they do a job in the top flight? And who would you choose?

We are, however, not done yet. There are a few more names yet to be mentioned whose contracts will soon be whittled down.

Heurelho Gomes, who has provided many a comedic moment, is set to leave Spurs.

The goalkeeper, signed from PSV Eindhoven, has lost the No. 1 spot after a number of indifferent performances.

Defender Carlos Cuellar is still yet to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, with Shay Given recently urging the club to act quickly.

Midfielders Martin Petrov and Hendry Thomas, of Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, are also unclear on their futures as they fight a relegation battle.

Meanwhile, Petrov's teammate Ivan Klasnic could also be on his way out of the Reebok, and Andy Johnson is already attracting suitors ahead of a potential Fulham exit.