EPL: The 7 Biggest Names Released and Where They Could End Up
As football clubs look to build for the future, managers all over the country will look to get the best players for the least amount of money. The free transfer list offers some of the best deals to clubs, such as Sol Campbell's move from Spurs to Arsenal.
However, some clubs end up with flops on big wages like Joe Cole at Liverpool. Here we look at seven big names who are available for nothing this summer, and where they may end up.
Patrick Vieira from Manchester City
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While Vieira's best days are behind him, he still provides a looming presence in the centre of midfield. Unlike some other high profile names on this list, he has managed to remain fairly free of injury. Add to this the positive impact he will have in the dressing room and he will be an attractive proposition.
Possible destination: Vieira may see his future away from England and could look to finish his career in his native France or follow former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry to MLS. However, if he stays in England, Blackburn would be a good fit and would be able to pay his wages.
Owen Hargreaves from Manchester United
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Hargreaves arrived at United with great hopes in 2007 after being voted England player of the year in 2006. However, injuries have since limited Hargreaves to only 27 league games. This means that he will likely only find a club on a pay-as-you-play contract. His injury history means he is always a risk, but a fit Hargreaves makes for one of the best midfielders in the country.
Possible destination: The big teams in the country may see Hargreaves as more trouble than he's worth. However, a trip to either Merseyside club could prove fruitful for both sides, as Hargreaves would add some much needed tackling for Liverpool or bolster a strong midfield at Everton.
Jonathan Woodgate from Spurs
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The second injury-hit player on the list, Woodgate is a top centre back when fit. Unfortunately, this often is not the case. After rejecting a pay-as-you-play deal with Spurs, he may be looking for a permanent contract, making him a hard sell to any club.
Possible destination: Woodgate's ability means that he most likely stay in the top tier of English football. His future will probably lie in the lower half. Wigan and Wolves both have defences that could use shoring up from Woodgate. Otherwise he could end up in the Championship, with former club Leeds reportedly interested.
David Vaughan from Blackpool
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The Welshman's solid performances at Blackpool last season gained him many admirers. At 28, he is still in the prime of his career and has been linked to many clubs already. Vaughan is versatile, playing in the centre or the left of midfield and left back on occasion.
Possible destination: Vaughan has already been linked to Sunderland, West Brom and Stoke. Steve Bruce's side could be the perfect fit. He may also go abroad, with Rangers already linked to a move.
John Carew from Aston Villa
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Carew is one of the hardest-working forwards in the league, chasing down lost causes and putting pressure on defenders from the kick-off to the final whistle. His 6'4" frame means he is always a threat in the air, but his scoring rate could be better than it has been.
Possible destination: He spent the last half of the season at Stoke and may have done enough to convince Tony Pulis of his worth. He has also been linked to West Brom and Sunderland.
Nigel Reo-Coker from Aston Villa
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The second Villain on this list should not have difficulty finding a new club. He has been an influential figure in the dressing rooms at Villa and West Ham. Additionally, he is a fine tackler and is good going forward. Therefore, he should fit well into many mid-table teams.
Possible destination: Reo-Coker may find himself driving north, as he has been linked to both Sunderland and Newcastle. A much longer journey may be in store, though, as Valencia, Sevilla, Roma, Juventus and Napoli have all been linked to the Londoner.
Matthew Upson from West Ham
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Upson didn't enjoy the best of seasons for West Ham last term and many feel his best days are in the past. At 32, his experience will be attractive but his wage demands may put off many. He comes with no major injury worries and may prove to be one of the best free transfers available.
Possible destination: Upson was linked to Arsenal in January, and Wenger is under pressure to sign a centre back. He didn't cover himself in glory last term, though, and may end up at a team lower down the table. If Chris Samba or Gary Cahill move, then Upson could end up at Blackburn or Bolton and has been linked to newly promoted QPR.
