Leading Premier League Stars Available on Free Transfers

The January transfer window is now open.

While the focus is on the future of big-name players such as Chelsea pair Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard, many other Premier League players will be available for a free transfer this summer as well, the Daily Mail reports.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is among the names who have still not extended their stays with their current clubs.

Here we look at a potential bargain five Premier League players, who are available to speak to foreign clubs now.

Mark Schwarzer, Fulham

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been a mainstay in the English game for several years since joining Bradford City in 1996.

It was his 11-year spell at Middlesbrough from 1997 which brought him to the attention of the Premier League.

Schwarzer helped Boro back to the top flight in his first season and went on to win a League Cup winners’ medal in 2004 and a UEFA Cup runners-up medal in 2006 with the Riverside Stadium club.

The Australia international joined Fulham in 2008 after 367 appearances for the Teessiders, who were relegated in the season after his departure.

Schwarzer has helped Fulham cement their place in the top flight in recent seasons and played in the 2010 Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Now 40, Schwarzer may only have a limited number of playing years ahead of him, but the Australian keeper can still produce a series of fine saves as Mikel Arteta and Arsenal discovered in November.

Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United

Outside of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard at Chelsea, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is the highest-profile name on the list of soon-to-be available players.

The 34-year-old joined United in 2002 and has been an anchor at the back for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.

Ferdinand signed his current Old Trafford deal in April 2008, committing himself to a further five years at the club.

Time waits for no man, however, and Ferdinand has lost some of his pace in recent years while the United defense has become more porous.

Ferdinand, though, remains an astute reader of the game, a trait which still makes him an influential figure on the field.

He still has great positional sense along the back four and calm composure on the ball.

Occasional lapses in concentration can be a costly weakness in the Ferdinand armoury, though.

Regardless, at 34, he would represent great value in helping younger team members at any club.

Sylvain Distin, Everton

Sylvain Distin has already been linked (via the Mirror) with Queens Park Rangers ahead of the transfer window opening and it is unlikely the Loftus Road club will be his only suitors.

The Frenchman has been an integral part of the success enjoyed by Everton since joining the club from Portsmouth in 2009 after Joleon Lescott moved to Manchester City.

The former Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain central defender won the Everton Players’ Player of the Year award last season in recognition of his displays at the back for the Merseyside club.

Now 35, Distin is still as diligent and solid at the back for Everton. Despite his FA Cup semifinal error against Liverpool last season, he has maintained his form this year.

Carlton Cole, West Ham United

Carlton Cole has been a figurehead for West Ham United since joining the club from Chelsea in 2006.

The striker, 29, scored his first goal for the club seconds after coming on to the pitch as a substitute in the win over Charlton Athletic.

Cole played his part in helping the Hammers back to the top flight at the first attempt last season with 17 goals in 41 Championship appearances, including the team’s opening strike in the playoff final win over Blackpool in May.

Cole is one of the more honest players in the game, even admitting his miss in the 2-1 win over Norwich on New Year’s Day could have been converted by his mother.

Will any club be able to prise Cole from West Ham after the striker took a wage cut to help the East London club during their season in the Championship?

William Gallas, Tottenham

William Gallas is one of the more controversial figures in recent Premier League history, especially during his time at Arsenal, but there is little doubt over his ability and his success in the top flight.

The France defender won two Premier League titles at Chelsea and a League Cup after joining the club from Marseille in 2001 under former manager Claudio Ranieri.

Gallas also played for Arsenal between 2006 and 2010 before making the move to North London rivals Tottenham.

The 35-year-old remains a first-choice selection for current Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas with the club targeting a Champions League berth next season.

Gallas' experience across defense and midfield throughout his career would be goldmine for clubs looking to bring through younger players.