Florent Malouda tops the Premier League free transfer list

The Premier League free transfer list has been released and Chelsea‘s Florent Malouda tops the star-studded list which also includes some other big names like Tottenham Hotspur’s William Gallas and David Bentley, Manchester City forward Roque Santa Cruz, and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

32-year-old Malouda was signed by Chelsea in 2007 for a reported £13 million and he is expected to return to France, although the Frenchman is unlikely to get the same pay as he earned at Chelsea.

Yossi Benayoun and Paulo Ferreira, who are both Malouda’s Chelsea team-mates, were also released.

William Gallas and David Bentley of Tottenham Hotspur were not given an extension and both the Tottenham players will be available on a free transfer. Tottenham had signed Gallas from their arch-rivals Arsenal, and the Frenchman leaves White Hart Lane after playing for three seasons. On the other hand, David Bentley couldn’t find a place in the Spurs team and spent most of his time out on loan.

Roque Santa Cruz, who was out on loan at Real Betis and Malaga, was released by Manchester City. Manchester City also released Kolo Toure and the 32-year-old has already agreed on a move to Liverpool, while Wayne Bridge leaves to join Reading.

Having signed the Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma, Fulham released Mark Schwarzer as the veteran was out of contract and had rejected an extension.