Juan Mata, Mario Balotelli and Andy Carroll: 24 players available on a free transfer this summer

There's set to be a scramble for some big names from the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A

• 

  Ander Herrera: The Spaniard's contract standoff at Manchester United has rumbled on for months amid widespread reports that he will join PSG in the summer. Hasn't quite reached the top level during his time at Old Trafford, but will be sought after by Europe's elite as a dependable midfield option. EPA

• 

  Adrien Rabiot: Banned from playing by PSG for not signing a new deal, there's no question of him moving clubs this summer - it's just a case of which one. His mother and agent labelled him a "prisoner" at the club. Swap deal for Herrera at Manchester United perhaps? AP Photo

• 

  Juan Mata: Have Manchester United had value for money after he signed for £37m in January 2014? I'd say opinion would be split. Contributes vital goals and assists but they come in fits and bursts. At 31, no shortage of offers if he leaves. EPA

• 

  Diego Godin: A rock at the back for nearly a decade at Atletico Madrid, who offer just a one-year deals to those aged over 30. Linked with a move to Inter in Serie A where a longer contract is said to be in the offing. AFP

• 

  Dani Alves: The experienced PSG full back must be running out of room in his trophy cabinet after sustained success across spells at Barcelona, Juventus and now in France. Will he move to another top team or take on a fresh challenge lower down? AFP

• 

  Daniele De Rossi: 'Mr Roma' has played more than 600 times for the Italian club but his time could be up this summer after just 16 league starts in this campaign. Now 35, it is not clear whether he will move into the dugout, carry on elsewhere or stay for another season. Getty Images

• 

  Santi Cazorla: The Spaniard has put his nightmare injury behind him and impressed at Villarreal. Other clubs will have noted his sustained fitness this season and at 34 he could have a few more seasons left in him. AFP

• 

  Franck Ribery: After more than a decade at Bayern Munich, the 36-year-old Frenchman has still been a regular this season and has scored five goals. Linked with a move to Qatar. Getty Images

• 

  Arjen Robben: Bayern's other elder statesman set for the exit, like Ribery he has also put in sterling service across a decade. Hit by injury this season, the 35-year-old has still scored five times and is just short of a century of league goals for the German giants. Getty Images

• 

  Max Kruse: The Bundesliga player of the month for March has been enjoying an impressive season at Werder Bremen and will be on the radar of a host of top European clubs. The 31-year-old has spent his whole career in Germany and this summer could be his last chance of a stab at the big time. EPA

• 

  Fernando Llorente: It's not easy being in the shadow of Harry Kane, as the Spaniard has found out. Just two Premier League goals across two seasons is proof of that and Spurs could look for a younger, more mobile bench warmer for next season. Getty Images

• 

  Shinji Okazaki: His spell at Leicester has gone downhill since their incredible title win in 2016 when he was a key foil for Jamie Vardy. No goals this season and a lack of action. He could be an attractive option for promoted teams. Action Images via Reuters

• 

  Samir Nasri: The Frenchman has quality but has struggled to show it since joining West Ham on a short term deal in January. He's made just six appearances and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Hammers wave goodbye. Getty Images

• 

  Antonio Valencia: The winger converted into a right-back has barely featured for Manchester United this season and is poised for the exit. He should be able to pick from a wide range of options around the world. Getty Images

• 

  Andy Carroll: The injury-prone West Ham striker has suffered another injury-hit season which has brought zero league goals. A class act when fit, but who will take the risk? Action Images via Reuters

• 

  Alberto Moreno: Overtaken at Liverpool by the Premier League's best left back, Andrew Robertson. Regularly, albeit somewhat bizarrely given some of his performances, linked with a move to Barcelona. Getty Images

• 

  Vincent Kompany: Close to securing another league title at Manchester City, it is hard to imagine the 33-year-old playing anywhere else. His injury problems have subsided allowing him to make 28 appearances so far this season. Will surely stay. Action Images via Reuters

• 

  Gary Cahill: Overlooked this season but at 33 he should have time for another stint in the Premier League or top flight abroad. Has been linked with West Ham. Reuters

• 

  Nacho Monreal: Still a regular at Arsenal who are yet to activate a contract extension clause. Linked with a move back to Spain, the 33 year old has been a decent servant at left back for the past seven seasons. Reuters

• 

  James Milner: Versatile, accurate from the penalty spot and could be a title winner with Liverpool in the next few weeks. Is there a more attractive free transfer? The Reds will surely look to tie him down for another year in the summer. Action Images via Reuters

• 

  Daniel Sturridge: The Liverpool striker's career has gone in a strange direction. He was established in the England team and formed a super partnership with Luis Suarez at Anfield, but then he was blighted by injury. Now he plays a bit part role behind Salah, Firmino and Mane, but does he have enough left in the tank to be first choice at another club? Hard to predict where he will be come next season. Reuters

• 

  Danny Welbeck: Like Sturridge he was a mainstay in the England team until injury put the brakes on and has had to watch others move ahead of him at Arsenal. A fresh start and a leading role elsewhere may do him some good. Reuters

• 

  Olivier Giroud: Top scorer in the Europa League this season but has struggled to net in the Premier League where he is often overlooked. Will make a fantastic free signing if Chelsea choose not to keep him and clubs will be queuing up. Reuters

• 

  Mario Balotelli: The past three years in France have seen the Italian striker back to somewhere near his best. Eight goals in 12 games at Marseille is a fine return after he joined in January but whether he stays on remains to be seen. AFP

The list reads like a who's who of Europe's most successful players with Premier League winners, a La Liga champion and even a World Cup winner.

But instead of having a combined transfer value in the billions, these players are all available on a free transfer this summer when their contracts come to an end.

Some are being discarded due to lack of form, fitness and value for (see Andy Carroll), while others are at a financial stalemate with their current employers (see Ander Herrera).

A few may decide to resign and pass up on the opportunity of a lucrative move to pastures new, but we can be sure of is that there will be a scramble for a number of these players come July.

Scroll through the slideshow at the top of the page.

______________

Champions League semi-finalists:

Lionel Messi's pledge and the best No 9 in world football: Why Barcelona will win the Uefa Champions League

They've got Salah, oh Mane Mane and Bobby Firmino: Why Liverpool will win Uefa Champions League

Son Heung-min's terrific form: Why Tottenham Hotspur will win the Uefa Champions League

Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and the superstars-in-waiting: Why Ajax will win the Uefa Champions League