Bargain Basement - Footballs sought after Free Agents

Ashley Cole - 33 - Defender

Widely regarded as the best English left-back in a generation, the 33-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea this summer after eight years at Stamford Bridge. Announced his international retirement prior to the naming of Roy Hodgson's England squad ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. Chelsea are believed to have offered a renewed 12-month contract with reduced terms but Cole looks poised to move on. The former Arsenal man is considering offers from several big clubs, both domestically and abroad - with Monaco and even Real Madrid showing an interest.

Rio Ferdinand - 35 - Defender

After 12 years and 10 trophies, 35-year-old Ferdinand has left Manchester United. Out of contract this summer, the West Ham academy product is available for nothing over a decade on from his record £30million arrival from Leeds. Near-unmatched experience at the highest level and no haggling over a transfer fee will make Ferdinand an attractive proposal for many clubs. FA Cup winners Arsenal, vanquished finalists Hull, MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy and a clutch of Turkish clubs are thought to be interested.

Samuel Eto'o - 33 - Striker

Derided over his age by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Eto'o will nevertheless carry the hopes of a nation when he turns out for Cameroon in his fourth World Cup this summer. His goalscoring record speaks for itself, with an impressive 55 strikes in 116 appearances for his country. Even an underwhelming single season at Chelsea delivered nine goals in 21 Premier League appearances. Speculation as to where the prolific goalscorer will play next is rife, with offers from clubs in the United States, Australia, Italy and Spain said to be forthcoming.

Gareth Barry - 33 - Midfielder

It was shrewd of Everton boss Roberto Martinez to sign the Manchester City midfielder on loan in the last knockings of the transfer window last summer. Barry proved a key member of Everton's squad, helping them to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. However, a reported clause in the loan deal between City and Everton mean that the Toffees will need to raise £2.5million to sign him permanently, despite the player being out of contract this summer. A move to the MLS is also on the cards.

Bacary Sagna - 31 - Defender

Of all the players on this list Sagna's future looks the most certain, with Manchester City his expected destination. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has earmarked his targets early and Sagna is top of his shopping list. The France full-back is out of contract this summer but signed off from the Gunners in style by winning his first silverware in the FA Cup final. A move to City could also come with a reported  £120,000-a-week pay deal, while the lack of a transfer fee will be very attractive to City after their recent financial fair play sanction from UEFA. 

Who is Eliaquim Mangala?

As the race to sign Porto centre back Eliaquim Mangala hots up, it seems Chelsea are the Frenchman's preferred option over newly crowned Premier League champions Manchester City with location being the apparent dealbreaker.

Here's a rundown of his key moments so far.

1991: Born in Colombes, France

1996: Family moves to Belgium.

1996: Plays for Athletic Club Lustin, situated in Namur, where his family moved.

2002: Leaves AC Lustin and moves on to C.S. Wépionnais.

2004: After 2 years at C.S. Wépionnais, Mangala moves to Namur.

2006: Joins the IPES Waremme Football School.

2008: Signs for Belgian top flight club Standard Liege.

2008: Tastes silverware early into his Belgian Pro League career, winning the Belgian Super Cup.

2009: Makes debut for France Under-21s against Tunisia.

2009: Scored against Arsenal in Liege's 3-2 home defeat in the Champions League.

2009: Helps his new club to the Belgian Pro League title.

2009: Part of Standard Liege team that retains Belgian Super Cup.

2010: Reaching Quarter finals of the Europa League with Liege.

2011: Forced to withdraw from the French squad to play Slovenia in Euro 2011 Under 21 qualification group match, due to a groin injury.

2011: However did return on 15 November 2011, in a 2013 Under 21s European Championship qualifier, Mangala opened the scoring against Slovakia, France’s main rival in the group.

2011: Scores the first goal in a 2-0 victory over Westerlo in the Belgian Cup final. His last trophy at Standard Liege.

2011: Signs for Portuguese Champions Porto for £5.5 million.

2012: Makes 23rd and final appearance for the French Under 21's on 16 October 2012, France failed to qualify for the 2013 Under 21 European Championships after losing to Norway 4-5 on aggregate.

2012: His move to Portugal provides immediate success, winning Portugal's Primeira Liga in his first full season.

2012: Adds to Portuguese premier league win with the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira or Portuguese Super Cup with a slender 1-0 win over Académica de Coimbra.

2013: Porto retain the Primeira Liga with Mangala in the side.

2013: Club keeps the Portuguese Super Cup at the Estádio do Dragão by beating Vitória de Guimarães 3-0 in the final.

2013: Received his first cap from France senior squad on 6 June 2013 in a friendly against Uruguay. France lost the game 1-0, Liverpool's Luis Suarez with the only goal.

2014: Porto finish third in Primeira Liga 6 points behind 2nd placed Sporting Lisbon and 13 points behind Champions Benfica.

England's U17 Emerging Stars

Stop the presses, England have won a penalty shoot-out.

The Three Lions' Under-17 team were triumphant in the final of the European
Championship on Wednesday night, romping home on penalty kicks 4-1 against
Holland after the match ended 1-1.

The victory for John Peacock's talented group of youngsters emulates the
achievements of England Under-17s in the same tournament four years ago. 

On that occasion the likes of World Cup-bound Everton midfielder Ross Barkley,
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and West Brom striker Saido Berahino were among
England's heroes.

So, what potential England stars of tomorrow have been on show in Malta?

 

Dominic Solanke - 16 - Forward

The Chelsea youngster has become a key member of Peacock's team in recent
months. The 16-year-old scored England's goal in the final and boasts an
impressive record for the Three Lions, netting 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Powerful, athletic and quick, Solanke is a regular for the Chelsea Under-18s.
His late brace helped the Blues to a thrilling 7-6 aggregate victory over Fulham
in the FA Youth Cup final earlier this month.

 

Jonjoe Kenny - 17 - Defender

Scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Kenny spent seven years in the
Everton academy before signing scholarship forms with the Toffees in June 2013.
The defender is equally adept at full-back and centre-back, and made his debut
for the Under-17s in the Euro qualifier against Armenia in October.

 

Patrick Roberts - 17 - Forward

The 17-year-old possesses a blend of great skill and technique which makes him
a valuable attacking outlet. Played a part in England's goal against Holland and
topped the assist charts with four, as well as weighing in with three goals
during the tournament. Made his first-team debut for Fulham against Manchester
City in March having signed professional contract that will keep him at Cottage
Road until June 2016. Is rumoured to have caught the eye of Arsenal, Barcelona
and Real Madrid. 

 
Ryan Ledson - 16 - Midfielder

Captained the Under-17s to the title. Has spent 11 years at Everton's academy,
signing as a scholar in 2013 at the same time as Jonjoe Kenny. The
tough-tackling midfielder has excelled in the middle of the park for England and
his smooth passing is often at the heart of England's approach play.

 

Freddie Woodman - 17 - Goalkeeper

The son of Newcastle goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman is one of the most
highly-rated young goalkeepers in the country. Conceded just one goal during
qualification and has been a regular starter for Newcastle's Under-18s. Has yet
to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies' Under-21s but did play for
Newcastle's reserves in a friendly against York aged just 14. Signed a long-term
contract with Newcastle earlier this year.

 

Taylor Moore - 16 - Midfielder

Born in London, Moore has lived in France since the age of seven. On arriving
in France, Moore played for Etaples before signing for Lens, where he has spent
the last five years. The midfielder joins an exclusive club of English players
who have donned the national jersey while playing abroad, following the likes of
David Beckham, Owen Hargeaves and Michael Owen. A relatively new addition to the
Under-17 set-up, having joined up with England for the first time in February.