Modric, David Silva & Eriksen... Some of the stars going for FREE next summer

In a world where £200million is the going rate for 

football's best talent, the ability to snap up a top player on

 a free transfer is, well, priceless.

Over the last few seasons we have seen a handful of 

superstars move to big clubs for nothing after winding 

their contracts down, with the likes of Bayern Munich 

nabbing Robert Lewandowski from bitter rivals 

Dortmund in 2014 a prime example.

But next summer could see some of the most valuable 

stars ever become free agents, and players with six 

months left on their deals are able to speak with 

interested parties from January 1.

Sportsmail looks at the biggest names out of contract 

next year, assessing what their future holds and which 

clubs they could end up at.

Real Madrid

Luka Modric

Last year's Ballon d'Or winner has quickly become one 

of the highest-rated players on the planet after helping 

Los Blancos to four Champions League triumphs and 

one La Liga title.

Surrounded by Galacticos at Madrid, he quickly realised 

his full potential with his key passes and bursting runs 

forward, but now at the age of 34 he represents an 

incredible deal on a free and would likely still start for 

most top sides.

It's been reported that Real are looking to move Modric 

on and focus on a younger generation of talent and a 

transfer to Serie A looks most likely, with both Inter and 

AC Milan rumoured to be interested in snapping him up.

Nacho

Having spent his entire career with Los Blancos, he has 

racked up quite the trophy collection, including one La 

Liga title, one Copa Del Rey and four Champions 

Leagues, but he has found regular starts hard to come 

by.

Manchester City are currently suffering a defensive 

crisis of sorts after a number of injuries 

and Fernandinho being forced to play as a makeshift 

centre-back.

With manager Pep Guardiola a rumoured fan of Nacho, 

a free transfer to City next summer could be a no-

brainer.

Manchester City

David Silva

City's long servant Silva has enjoyed enormous success 

at the club after helping the team win four Premier 

League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.

The Spanish playmaker announced he would leave at 

the end of the season last summer, and now has the 

chance 

to become a landmark signing for a new team. He has 

been linked to Qatar, Japan and the MLS.

Fernandinho

Combative midfielder Fernandinho has played a key role 

in three title triumphs since his move to City from 

Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013. With 270 appearances he 

has proven himself to be a vital cog in the Pep Guardiola 

machine.

But he will be 35 by the time May comes around, and 

most would expect his best days to be behind him, 

although the Brazilian has insisted he still feels in good 

shape physically and will 'play for as long as my mind 

will allow me'.

Chelsea

Willian

The Brazilian winger has had a trophy-laden six years at 

Stamford Bridge, winning two Premier League titles, the 

FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Europa League, but with his 

contract winding down, now could be the time for a new 

challenge.

He has admitted Barcelona had an offer rejected for him 

last year, but the Catalan side have since signed Antoine 

Griezmann and have promoted Ansu Fati to the first 

team squad.

Instead, Willian could be tempted to make a move back 

to Brazil and has spoken of his desire to return to 

Corinthians, where he started his career.

Olivier Giroud

The towering French forward is always a handful for 

defenders and would be a valuable asset for any 

Premier 

League side, but has found himself marginalised under 

Frank Lampard this season, with the much younger 

Tammy Abraham impressing up front.

The 33-year-old has been urged to move on by his 

national side boss Didier Deschamps and warned his 

international future may be at risk if he does not start 

getting regular football soon. Chelsea are reportedly 

willing to let him leave and both West Ham and Crystal 

Palace are thought to be suitors.

Pedro

As Frank Lampard's youth revolution at Chelsea has 

taken flight, Pedro has found a starting berth harder to 

come by, making just three league appearances this 

term, and with the Spaniard turning 33 next summer, it 

may be time for the next chapter of his career.

A return to Spain seems the common sense move, and 

Pedro himself has admitted he is interested in a return 

to his boyhood club Barcelona. Chelsea may opt to cash in 

on him in the January window now their transfer 

embargo has been lifted.

Tottenham Hotspur

Christian Eriksen

Valued at around £100m, Danish midfielder Eriksen has 

made no secret of his wish to pursue pastures new after 

six years at Tottenham, although his dream move to 

Real Madrid failed to materialise in the summer.

It's possible Los Blancos were biding their time and 

waiting to snap him up on a free, and will have the 

chance to begin talks with the player in January if they 

wish to do so.

If Madrid don't make a move, Eriksen won't be short of 

Interest, with PSG thought to be admirers.

Toby Alderweireld

Another Spurs star linked with a transfer away in the 

summer but ended up staying put, Alderweireld was 

available for £25m but no one opted to put a bid in 

despite reported interest from Roma and the clause 

expired.