TEAMtalk's Matty Briggs takes a look at the top 10 free transfers available in the Premier League this summer.
With the current downturn in the economy there might well be more interest in the out-of-contract players on offer this year, and there are several big names up for grabs.
Tomasz Kuszczak, Danny Gabbidon, James McFadden, Ricardo Fuller, Gretar Steinsson, Ivan Klasnic, Ryan Nelsen, Kyle Naughton and Mohamed Diame are just a few of the players available without a transfer fee and they can all consider themselves unlucky not to make TEAMtalk's top 10.
Our man Matty Briggs has compiled his list of top 10 'freebies', so let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.
Age 32
Possible destination: MLS, Stoke, West Ham
"The Championship is not an option," said Owen. "I'd like to think I haven't lost the ability to score goals at the highest level," he added after being told of his release at Manchester United.
And with a CV like Owen's it's hard to argue against him, despite his age.
He spent three years at Old Trafford after joining from Newcastle United on a free transfer in 2009 but his time at United was blighted by injuries and he struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up.
He had just three starts last season, scoring three goals in the Carling Cup, but he can point to 17 goals in just 18 starts during his time in Manchester.
Age 29
Possible destination: West Ham, Celtic
Gordon cost Sunderland £9million - the highest a British club had ever paid for a goalkeeper - back in 2007, but the Black Cats have allowed his contract to run down.
His form initially was impressive on Wearside, but a twice broken arm and another bout of surgery for a knee injury hit his career. He only made 15 appearances the season before last and just one last season after falling behind Simon Mignolet and Kieren Westwood in the pecking order.
He still has designs on returning to the role of Scotland's number one and he could have plenty of time left at the top.
Age 25
Possible destination: Aston Villa
Guthrie has been Newcastle's Didier Deschamps when he has played this season. He filled in admirably when Cheick Tiote and Yohann Cabaye were missing and made 13 Premier League starts.
He is, however, desperate for more first-team action and Alan Pardew will allow him go with his blessing.
He is a hard-working, combative midfielder and the Toon's 'water-carrier' has got plenty left in the tank and would be a solid signing for a number of teams.
Age 32
Possible destination: West Ham
It's not often you get to snap up an England keeper on a free, but the West Ham man's contract is up and he is available.
The England No.2 is looking for a 50 per cent pay rise after helping the Hammers back into the big time, but West Ham have not been forthcoming in their offer.
He has had a decent season with the Hammers in the Championship and looks to have forgotten about the clanger he dropped for England at the 2010 World Cup, when he allowed Clint Dempsey's speculative strike from outside the penalty area squirm through his hands.
Age 32
Possible destination: WBA
The Austrian schemer could yet sign a new contract with West Brom, but the midfielder is available on a free after his deal expired at The Hawthorns.
Scharner would be an asset to almost half of the sides in the top flight with his Premier League knowhow and ability to fill in at centre-back. The former Wigan man can chip in with important goals and looks to have another couple of years in him at the top.
Age 26
Possible destination: Tottenham
Rodallega scored just two goals last season and will quit the DW Stadium with Wigan's blessing.
The exciting frontman was a club-record £4.5million buy in January 2009, but failed to progress with the Latics last season after showing plenty of promise the season before and he looks as though a fresh start could give his career a lift.
Age 26
Possible destination: Arsenal, PSG, Schalke
Kalou has been at Chelsea for six years after signing from Feyenoord for around £8million and Chelsea have certainly had their money's worth.
He has made more than 250 appearances, including a start in Chelsea's Champions League final victory against Bayern Munich and has scored 60 goals for the Blues.
He doesn't look like being part of Chelsea's future, though, and looks all set to move on, and if he can rediscover some of his Stamford Bridge form from a few years ago then he could become one of the bargains of the season.
Age 19
Possible destination: Juventus
Heralded by many as the next big thing at Old Trafford, but he failed to breakthrough with Manchester United last season. A powerful, but skilful midfielder, he has potential in abundance and he is just what United are looking for.
However, he has refused to sign a contract with the Red Devils and Juventus have been heavily linked with his services.
Age 21
Possible destination: Arsenal, Tottenham, Bayern Munich
Hoilett was one of the few shining lights at Ewood Park last season and he will be in demand this summer.
The pacy wideman is still learning his trade, but he has an abundance of potential and a move to one of the England's big guns could be on the agenda.
Age 34
Possible destination: MLS, Shanghai Shenhua, Juventus
The legendary Chelsea targetman has won everything with the Blues and has decided to move on and wherever he goes you can be assured he will be welcomed with open arms.
He might be in the twilight of his career, and he might have lost a vital yard of pace, but his work ethic remains unquestioned and he is a striker who scores goals when it matters.
You can follow Matty Briggs on Twitter @MattPBriggs.
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