The best freebies still available

Having seen Michael Owen complete his expected move to Stoke City, it got me thinking about players who’re still to find a club! Though the summer transfer window has now slammed shut, clubs can still bring in players without a contract, which is fortunate for this lot! Here is a rundown of the five best players still out of contract:

5) James McFadden
The former Birmingham City winger is a surprise member of this list given his ability; however a common theme amongst players out of contract is the fact he is very injury prone! McFadden is a class act and during his best years was a match-winner for both club and country on a regular occurrence, with Scotland fans recalling his unbelievable strike in the smash and grab 1-0 victory in Paris over France in 2007. His short stint with Everton last year was plagued with injuries, but if he can stay fit then he still can offer the Premier League quite a lot.

4) Emile Heskey
It’s fair to say Heskey’s move from Wigan to Aston Villa in 2009 didn’t quite go to plan, scoring just nine goals in three and a half years. Heskey went to the 2010 World Cup as a starter for England; however since then he’s retired from international duty (greeted by cheers of relief from the majority of the country) as well as struggling to play games for his club, and only scored the solitary goal in the Premier League last year. It looks likely that Heskey’s future will be in the second tier of English football, and has been linked with a move to Ipswich Town and Leicester to name but two Championship sides.

3) Nigel Reo-Coker
Bolton pulled off quite a coup when they brought the then free agent Reo-Coker; however following the club’s relegation, Reo-Coker once again finds himself without a club. At 28, the former Wimbledon midfielder still has at least three very good years in him. Having activated a release clause in his contract, it’s clear Reo-Coker still believes he has it in him to perform in the top flight; however I wouldn’t be surprised to see his next move to be one abroad.

2) Owen Hargreaves
Following an unsuccessful year at Manchester City, Hargreaves will be looking for more game time than he did with his previous club. Injuries have blighted Hargreaves’ career more than your average player, and it’s safe to say if he were free from these problems, he’d certainly have a club! Hargreaves has been linked with a move to QPR and Stoke City; however it appears unlikely he’ll sign for a Premier League side in the short-term future.

1) Craig Gordon
For me Gordon was one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and I’d be very surprised if the former Scotland number one doesn’t find a top flight side willing to gamble on him. Granted like Hargreaves and McFadden he has had horrendous troubles with injuries; however Sunderland didn’t pay £9million for an average goalkeeper. 

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