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. 

Burton Striker Billy Kee to name baby 'Wembley'

Burton Albion Striker Billy Kee has told BBC Radio Derby that he'll name his unborn child after Wembley stadium should he score and the Brewers beat Fleetwood Town in the League Two Play Off final.

Kee's wife, Leigh, was due to give birth on Thursday, 22 May, but Burton's leading goalscorer this season hopes for double celebrations at Wembley Stadium.

"If I score and we win I'll put it in there." Kee said.

The 24 year old has scored 14 goals this season and will look to add to that tally against the Cod Army at Wembley on Monday.

Kee is hopeful ahead of the one off game: "I never thought I'd play there, but this is the real bread and butter, just hope we can all realise that and get something out of the game."

Exeter City DoF: "No offers for Grimes"

Exeter City's Director of Football Steve Perryman has confirmed that no offers have been received for the Grecians teenage midfielder Matt Grimes.

The 18 year has enjoyed an impressive first season as a professional, turning out 37 times for the first team, and starring for the under 21s in the Premier League cup before picking up the clubs player of the year award.

Perryman insisted on the clubs website that: "There have been no bids so far and no discussions with anyone relating to a transfer."

Their has been speculation linking the Exeter academy product with a more away from St James Park and a host of Premier League and Championship clubs are allegedly queueing up to sign the midfielder.

It comes as no surprise to Perryman that Grimes is attracting interest from clubs up the footballing ladder: “Matt is arguably the best technical player that I have seen come through our Academy during my nine years with the club."

The director of football hastened to add however that Exeter are not making any preparations for the youngsters exit: “As things stand we’re preparing for Matt to be an Exeter City player next season."

Bury confirm pre-season fixtures

Bury FC have announced their pre season fixtures, getting under way at 7:30pm on 9th July with an away trip to Radcliffe Borough.

Nine days later, the Shakers host Championship side Sheffield Wednesday at Gigg Lane, before making the short journey to Salford to play the Ammies in a 3pm kick off game.

City were purchased earlier in the year by former Manchester United players Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

The Bury first team squad will then head to Tenerife for 7 days from 20th to 27th June.

On their return, Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers will await them at Gigg Lane on 30th June, kicking off at 7:45pm.

On August 1st and 2nd Bury will play firstly away at Ramsbottom United, fielding a mixed side, then the first team will take on Rochdale at home, the Dale won automatic promotion to League One after finishing 3rd in League Two last season.

The final games of pre season will see a mixed side play Wigan Athletic on Wednesday 6th August, at a neutral ground yet to be confirmed, followed by a Lee Rigby benefit game at Gigg Lane, kick off TBC.

Charlie Sheringham looking for new club

Striker Charlie Sheringham has not been offered a new contract at AFC Wimbledon ahead of the new season and will leave the club.

The 26 year old suffered a nasty ankle injury soon after joining the Don's in June 2013, and has struggled to break into the side since returning to action.

Speaking to the clubs website, Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley said: "From Charlie’s point of view he feels he probably never got a good run in the team and rightly so. It was stop-start for him after he suffered a bad injury. From my point of view we had a bit of a striker crisis throughout the season and we were not scoring enough goals."

Sheringham spent time on loan at Salisbury City during the second half of the 2013-14 season and will now be looking for a new club.

His last contribution on loan at the Whites saw Sheringham score in a 2-2 draw with Chester on the final day of the Conference Premier campaign which condemned the Blues to relegation on goal difference.

Ardley wished the striker well after spending less than 12 months at Kingsmeadow: “Charlie is a good player and I think he will do well wherever he goes. I hope he gets a good deal somewhere else.”

AFC Wimbledon make first summer signing

AFC Wimbledon have made their first signing of the summer, completing a deal for Oxford United's Sean Rigg on a free transfer.

The 25 year old made 32 appearances and scored 2 goals for the U's during the 2013-14 campaign.

Don's boss Neal Ardley told the clubs official website: "I have always liked him when Sean's played against us and been impressed when I've watched him in games."

Rigg has made over 200 Football League appearances during spells with Bristol Rovers, Port Vale and Oxford.

His new manager was quick to make arrangements to bring the midfielder to Kingsmeadow when alerted to his availability, "Sean is quick and direct and can score goals, which is obviously an area we are trying to improve upon."

Starting his career at Bristol Rovers, Rigg helped the club win promotion to League 1 through the play-offs in 2007.

He has spent the entirety of his career in the Football League, apart from a loan spell at Forest Green in 2009 where he scored six goals in 14 games.

Eastleigh sign former AFC Wimbledon striker Jack Midson

Eastleigh have confirmed the signing of ex-AFC Wimbledon striker Jack Midson on a two year deal.

The 30 year old netted 42 goals in 140 appearances for the Don's but was among eight players released by the Don's earlier this month, bringing an end to a 3 year association between club and player.

His new boss Richard Hill admitted to not wasting any time in contacting the player once he learned of Midson's release from AFC Wimbledon:

"I have been speaking to Jack for a few weeks now, desperately trying to get this deal over the line. Jack is an extremely ambitious lad and, to come and play in the Conference, he needed to be convinced that we’re not going into this league just to tread water"

In his first season at Kingsmeadow, Midson scored 18 goals to finish tied top of the League Two scoring charts in 2011-12.

Continued his potency in front of goal the following season as the clubs top scorer in the league with 13 goals.

Hill stated that the acquisition of a player like Midson is a positive move for the clubs future:

"Jack has committed to us for the next two years and, once more, that speaks volumes for this club’s long-term aspirations.  We are all looking forward to welcoming a player of Jack’s pedigree and goal-scoring ability into what we consider is already a high-quality squad."

Midsun is Eastleigh's second signing this week after signing James Constable also on a two year contract.