The stars who are out of contract which Barcelona are following

Signing players for nothing is the dream of many sporting directors. Finding footballers whose contract is expiring to bring in is a sweet to tasty to resist. They are usually anomalies because clubs try to protect themselves by offering players new contracts. A few slip the net, though.

At the end of this season Cavani, Mertens, Vertonghen, Willian, Pedro, Meunier, Eriksen, David Silva and Matuidi are some of those who will be available.

Free - apart from the usually rather high cost of the salary. Some are waiting for a final big offer from their clubs, others have had many offers which they have rejected and are open to moves elsewhere.

WILLIAN

Has spent his life linked to Barcelona but never arrived. Would be a good fit at the club.

VERTONGHEN

Another previously linked to the club. Left-footed centre-back who can bring it out well, good in the air and cleans up. However with Umtiti and Lenglet, hard to see him being useful at Barca.

ERIKSEN

The Dane is exquisite on the ball and has great vision. It seemed he would move for Madrid but did not go. Mourinho is using him cautiously.

DAVID SILVA AND THE REST

The most likely thing is he stays in Manchester. Meunier is good going forward but not good in defence, Mertens has goal power but could stay in Naples, while Pedro, if he came back, would be in an absolutely secondary position.