Top 5 free agents of the January transfer window

Dani Alves and Giorgio Chiellini are also potential free agents this JanuaryExpectancy, foreboding, anxiety, anguish and finally, ecstasy. If you have been exhibiting signs of any of the aforementioned emotions, the reason behind it is pretty obvious. It's that time of the year again, it's the frantic, costly, yet productive and crucial month of January when the transfer window opens. It's a period when some clubs do everything in their power to keep hold of their prized assets, whereas, on the other hand, teams looking for the necessary firepower and strengthening leave no stone unturned in their quest to find the perfect match; the missing element who could complete their jigsaw.As the transfer window dawns upon us, I have prepared a list of the top five players who could be available for potential free tranfers. The winter window will present the first opportunity for clubs to sign these players at a bargain price if the concerned player has more than six months left on his contract. However, if any potential offers are resisted, the club with which the player is associated, could risk losing him on a Bosman is the summer. Pre-contract agreements can also be made for players who have less than six months left in their contract, the most noteworthy example being Robert Lewandowski's switch from Borrussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich.Notable omissions:Dani Alves.Giorgio Chiellini.Andre-Pierre Gignac.Nigel de Jong.James Milner.Adrien Rabiot.Younes Kaboul.Ignazio Abate.

#1 Michael Carrick

It's hard to figure out the exact reason as to why Louis Van Gaal hasn't offered his anchorman in midfield a contract extension yet. Signed from Tottenham in 2006 for a sum of £18 million, Carrick has been the backbone of United's ineffective midfield in the past and is a vital ingredient presently too. An absolute rock in the centre of the park, the 33-year old's return from injury has coincided with United's glorious run of 6 wins on the bounce.

And, there is much more than irony to it. The influence which Carrick has had on proceedings since his return has been phenomenal and an extension may well be on the cards, sooner or later as reported by various sources.

The English midfielder, however, is calm over the contract situation. He said, 

"I had a lot of older guys around me, like Pat (Evra), Rio (Ferdinand), Vida (Nemanja Vidic), Scholesy and Ryan, but all of a sudden, they have all gone and I am now the oldest, and by some distance!

"It was always a case plenty being ahead of me, but Giggsy retired and three of them left, so it is me now."

But, as it stands, he will be available for free in January.