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In the world of football, the average cost of transfer deals has risen up immensely with the likelihood of clubs spending more than £50 million on a player being constantly on the rise.
A bargain is something that is appreciated but getting a player on a free is something that cannot be overlooked.
With a contract extension yet to be signed, numerous players will have their futures in doubt at their respective clubs.
This gives rival clubs in the Premier League a chance to snap up a top player for free and in a way, make the player's old employees look bad when he starts excelling at his new club.
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Here is a list of 5 top players whose contracts expire in June 2018:
#5 Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Luke Shaw was deemed as one of the best young English prospects when he broke on to the scene with Southampton. He then made the high-profile move to Manchester United in 2014. His spell at United has had its share of ups and downs as the progress of his career at Old Trafford has been hampered by injuries.
Shaw has gone through several injuries, knocks, and operations during his stint in Manchester but the biggest blow to his career was the double leg fracture that he suffered against PSV in the Champions League in 2015.
The Englishman has accumulated only 59 appearances in his four seasons at United. This season, he has played a total time of 623 minutes on the pitch. However, Manchester United have a totally contrasting record with and without Shaw in the team.
Despite his struggles, the former Southampton man can prove to be a valuable addition to teams in need of a left back. He has the experience of playing at the big stage both at Southampton and Manchester United.
#4 Santi Cazorla (Arsenal)
Since his arrival in 2012, Santi Cazorla has been an instrumental part of Arsenal's plans. With his presence in midfield, he has the ability to take control of the game and chip in with goals and assists. He has the ability to adapt to the situation at hand and play different roles in midfield. Cazorla is also a leader on the pitch.
During his time at the Emirates, the Spaniard has been a part of two FA Cup triumphs in addition to becoming Arsenal's player of the season for the 2012-13 campaign.
Cazorla's absence has impacted Arsenal's form significantly. When he has been unavailable, Arsenal's win ratio and goals per game have come down in a manner that can be likened to a landslide.
However, for over a year, Cazorla has remained on the sidelines. He injured his Achilles tendon in October 2016. He has endured eight operations since the time he suffered the injury and was left out of the Premier League squad this season.
However, surprisingly, he has been added to the Europa League squad for the knockout stages of the competition.
#3 Daley Blind (Manchester United)
Another possible free agent in 2018 is the Manchester United defender, Daley Blind. He was recruited by fellow countryman, Louis Van Gaal, in 2014 owing to his impressive performances for Ajax and the Dutch national team.
During his stint at Old Trafford, the Dutchman has proven to be very versatile. He has played at a number of positions such as left-back, centre-back and also as a holding midfielder. He has displayed his range of passing as well as his defensive qualities in the form of interceptions and clearances.
In the Champions League group stage, Blind has appeared in all games for United and averaged 2 tackles and 3 clearances per game.
He was on the verge of completing a move to AS Roma in January before the deal fell through due to the withdrawal of the Italian club's interest.
#2 Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Yaya Toure has been one of the longest-serving players at Manchester City in the last decade. Since he signed, Toure has flourished at City, being an instrumental part of their success.
Leaving Barcelona in the summer of 2010 gave Toure the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
Toure has been a key component of City, contributing all around on the pitch through his goals, assists, running back to help out in defence and also with solo match-winning performances.
The 2013/14 season was one of the best years of the Ivorian's career as he scored 24 goals leading the blue half of Manchester to League Cup and Premier League success.
Toure has scored more goals than any other midfielder since his arrival at the Etihad in 2010. He signed a one-year contract extension in June 2017 but it looks likely that he will be offloaded by City in the summer as he has been an inactive part of Pep Guardiola's plans and at the same time is on high weekly wages.
#1 Emre Can (Liverpool)
Can scored the 2016/17 Premier League goal of the season
Emre Can has been one of the unsung heroes of Liverpool FC. He has proven to be a versatile midfielder who has also played in defence, both at centre back and in the fullback positions. His impressive performances at club level have earned him a call-up to the German national team.
Can has also proven his ability to score crucial and game-winning goals. He has matured a great amount at Merseyside having stepped up his game and has become more efficient in midfield. He has also become a regular starter in Jurgen Klopp's XI. The German averages a pass completion rate of 86%.
The fact that Liverpool haven't tied down the midfielder to a new contract has come as quite a surprise. He has been a mainstay in the Liverpool squad and would have been a good partner for new signing, Naby Keita.
However, if he decides to reject Liverpool's contract extension offers, then it becomes even more likely that the German international will head off to Juventus. The Italian champions have expressed their desire to sign him and could be the favourites to land him in the summer.
