Mbappe, Pogba, Dembele and other stars now free to discuss summer transfers this month - Manchester Evening News

2022-01-03 15:22:37 By : Mr. JOHN LIU

The January transfer window opens up the possibility for transfers but for soon-to-be free agents it allows them to discuss terms for their next move.

Despite being three days in, the January transfer window is in full swing with teams across the footballing pyramid and Europe battling to bolster their squads.

It also spells a difficult time for negotiations when it comes to trying to maintain players heading into the final months of their contracts - allowing them to discuss pre-contract agreements in the summer.

Permanent deals in January are traditionally difficult with teams unwilling to allow their assets to depart but despite this, the rumour mill is well and truly turning.

Here are some of the big names whose contracts end in the summer and who can now talk to potential new clubs.

Mbappe's future will be keenly monitored by teams across Europe as the high-profile striker remains at loggerheads at the negotiation stage.

Real Madrid have had three bids rejected but remain frontrunners in the pursuit of the Frenchman.

The fearsome striker has continuously caused trouble for Ligue 1 defenders, but they look set to be dealt a reprieve as his time in the French league looks to be up.

The Manchester United midfielder's future has been clouded in doubt for a number of years, but this year, in particular, seems to be the end of the road for him at Old Trafford.

Currently sidelined with a thigh injury, Pogba is approachable this month and can speak to team's overseas with Real Madrid and PSG linked previously.

The Parisiens poached Georginio Wijnaldum last season as his contract at Liverpool dwindled down and the Red are bracing themselves for a similar possibility.

Although for United, their reliance on Pogba has waivered which coincided with his dip in form.

Ralf Rangnick's arrival at Old Trafford hasn't changed the course of direction either with the 28-year-old open to negotiation ahead of becoming a free transfer in the summer.

The Barcelona attacker has been linked with United in the past but he can look back on his time at the Nou Camp with regret.

Tarnished with injury, his performance on the pitch and attitude off it have meant he has failed to live up to the £135m price tag they signed him for.

The former Borussia Dortmund winger was a constant threat from his time in the Bundesliga and saw his formidable form earn him the mega-money move to La Liga.

Xavi will be looking to get the Frenchman off of their wage bill amid their financial crisis.

The Chelsea defender has been in top form for Thomas Tuchel's side this season contributing to their Premier League push.

But the German's contract set for expiry poses a number of problems for the Londoners as he is one of a number of out-of-contract defenders this summer.

He has established himself as a defensive mainstay at Stamford Bridge and with the representatives of the player and club at loggerheads, it poses a good opportunity for clubs to snap up the no-nonsense defender.

Bale is set to become available on a Bosman transfer in the summer.

His time in the Spanish capital has been successful but his last couple of years at the Bernabeu have been tarnished with controversy.

A loan spell to Spurs last season saw some much-needed game time but now back in Spain, his opportunities are fraught and his time at Los Blancos looks to be up.

After a successful loan with West Ham, his first-team opportunities at Manchestrer United have been limited, though the Reds aren't expecting him to leave in January.

Although it is preferred that should he depart it will be this month, it looks increasingly likely that he will leave for nothing in the summer.

The hard-hitting Ivorian has failed to agree to terms on a new deal with AC Milan and will become available for negotiations on a pre-contract agreement this month.

A key component of Stefano Pioli's midfield, the stalling of their talks has put clubs on red alert and with United's pursuit of a midfielder, the 25-year-old could offer a new dimension to their side.

The Marseille midfielder will be available for pre-contract discussions this month and the Reds have been one of the teams mooted as a suitor.

Kamara, 22, is due to have a long line of clubs awaiting the outcome of his contract negotiations but as it stands, he is due to be available on a free transfer in the summer.

The 34-year-old has been subject to speculation in recent weeks but since his comeback from injury, he has reaffirmed the importance that has been absent from the United squad.

His contract is up at the end of the campaign and is free to negotiate his next destination.

Although Ralf Rangnick has already explained how he is desperate to keep the Uruguyauan at Old Trafford.

"I told him from the very first day he's a highly important player, probably the only one that can play as a striker back to goal and as I have said before, his professionalism and work ethic is amazing," the German admitted.

"I told him that I desperately want him to stay until the end of the season and he knows how highly I rate and respect him.

"He knows I definitely would not let him go, for me he is a highly important player for the rest of the season in a squad still playing in three competitions - we definitely need him and it is clear he has to stay."