De Gea, Chelsea flops and World Cup winner in free agent XI as deadline looms
There are four weeks left to run in a summer transfer window that has already been distorted by the Saudi Pro League’s lavish spending.
But a couple of dozen big names remain free agents as Europe’s domestic leagues get ready to return - from Champions League winners to Chelsea flops and veterans in search of one last dance.
Here Mirror Football, with a big wage budget but no money to spend on transfer fees, selects its pick of those available.
And, yes, it is attack-minded. Not because of a love for forwards, more that there are few full backs waiting to be snapped up.
David De Gea
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The Spaniard is yet to land at a new club since his ugly departure from Manchester United, deprived of a proper send off in front of supporters following more than a decade of service. At 32 De Gea is by no means past it for a goalkeeper and despite the view he is unsuited to a style where the goalkeeper must be good with his feet his shot-stopping ability remains top-class.
Sergio Ramos
Best be quick because Galatasaray are at the front of a queue to sign the former Real Madrid star following his mediocre time at Paris Saint-Germain. Now 37, the World Cup winner may not be as fleet-footed but the experience and winning mentality is still a decent asset.
Yerry Mina
Expected to sign for a Serie A club but the big Colombian is looking to prove doubters wrong following a spell at Everton in which fitness issues rather than performances were the biggest issue.
Axel Tuanzebe
Still searching for a new club after leaving Manchester United, the 25-year-old is another who has been frustrated by injury issues. Looked good at times while on loan at Aston Villa but was unable to make an impact at Napoli and was sidelined at Stoke in the second half of last season.
Tiemoue Bakayoko arrived at Chelsea for a huge £40m fee (Getty Images)Tiemoue Bakayoko
A disaster in the view of anyone who watched him at Chelsea, the French midfielder, 28, showed some signs of redemption in first loan spell at Milan. There is a player still buried within, he just needs a coach who can help him bring it out. Linked with a couple of Ligue 1 clubs.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
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Another who has been beset by injury issues, the 29-year-old has received plenty of admiring glances since leaving Liverpool in June but is yet to commit. Brentford showed some initial interest, while Besiktas and unnamed Saudi clubs are keen.
Ross Barkley
Unable to make the desired impact at Nice last season, the former Everton and Chelsea midfielder is now being linked with Championship clubs including Middlesbrough. At 29 there should be more left in the tank but his career is destined to go down as one of unfulfilled potential.
Michael Carrick is keen on bringing ex-England teammate Ross Barkley to Middlesbrough (Getty Images)
Adama Traore is still available after his Wolves contract expired in June (CameraSport via Getty Images)Adama Traore
The speedster is still available having left Wolves, where head coach Julen Lopetegui said that he wanted to keep the Spain international. He has been linked with Aston Villa and, of course, Saudi clubs but future remains undecided a week before the Premier League season begins.
Eden Hazard
Perhaps the most gifted player on this list but will anyone take a punt on the Belgian following his nightmare spell at Real? Recent reports suggest retirement is on the cards. The biggest question is his fitness and at 32 many clubs will be sceptical of his ability to play every week without an issue.
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean will turn 35 in November but he is still capable of producing the occasional moment of magic - he scored 14 times at Marseille last season - and Nottingham Forest are among those linked. Wage demands remain high but the former Arsenal star will still be worth a punt in the eyes of many.
Alfredo Morelos
Left Rangers accused of disgracing himself by pundits, the goalscorer had designs on a role in the Premier League but valid questions over his temperament means the combustible Colombian remains in the shop window. A Championship role seems more likely now.
Substitutes: Timo Horn, Phil Jones, Shkodran Mustafi, Steven Nzonzi, Luka Milivojevic, Tom Davies, Roberto Pereyra, Diego Costa, Britt Assombalonga, Odion Ighalo.
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