Left in limbo: 10 free agents

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  • Not everyone found a club during the summer transfer window.

    The summer transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday night amid a mad, last-minute trolley dash by several clubs. Not everyone got their deals over the line though and will probably be left unsatisfied with business left undone.

    Arsenal for example are woefully short upfront after failing to land another striker, much like their cross-town rivals Tottenham Hotspur who saw an incredible four bids for Saido Berahino rejected by West Bromwich Albion.

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    – GALLERY: 10 EPL rejected transfer requests

    However, all hope is not lost for those still seeking to bring in reinforcements as there remains a decent pool of talent in the free agents market. Dimitar Berbatov was one of the standout names available but was snapped up by Greek side PAOK on Wednesday, while Joey Barton – less standout – was roped in by Burnley.

    If clubs are keen on signing a free agent, they would be best served to act quickly, particularly during the international break. Here are Sport360’s top 10 free agents still available…

    1) KEVIN NOLAN (Central midfielder)

    Kevin Nolan: Always a danger in the box.

    It was only last week that Kevin Nolan was captain of West Ham but he left the club on August 27 by mutual consent after four productive years at Upton Park. The midfielder has scored 111 times in 593 career appearances and will always contribute to the goals column.

    Nolan has never boasted pace to begin with but is a warrior on the pitch and a real threat inside the box. The 33-year-old represents a good option for one of the smaller clubs in the top flight, who may require goals and experience should they enter a relegation dogfight.

    2) RON VLAAR (Centre-back)

    Ron Vlaar helped Netherlands to 3rd place at the 2014 World Cup.

    It’s been a surprisingly rapid descent into obscurity for Ron Vlaar, the formidable defensive rock who captained Aston Villa until recently and starred for Netherlands when they placed third in the World Cup only last summer.

    Still only 30, the Dutchman has plenty of experience in the Premier League and is a fantastic no-nonsense centre-back who could come in handy for a number of clubs.  Unfortunately, he has been ruled out for another few months with a knee injury but perhaps an agreement in principle completed now would secure his services later on in the season.

    3) YOANN GOURCUFF (Attacking midfielder)

    Yoann Gourcuff: Once heralded as the 'new Zidane'.

    Once hailed as one of the brightest talents in Europe and a potential heir to Zinedine Zidane’s playmaker role in the French national team, Gourcuff now finds himself on the lookout for a new team after his contract with Lyon expired this summer.

    It’s safe to say that the 29-year-old has never truly lived up to his potential but still represents good value for a team seeking a little bit of creativity in the final third. Gourcuff has scored 52 times and contributed 70 assists in 352 club appearances, while also bagging four goals and eight assists in 31 caps for the national team.

    His five-year stint with Lyon was blighted by injury, meaning he does come off as a bit of a gamble, but nevertheless, it would seem to be a risk worth taking for someone of his talent.

    4) WILSON PALACIOS (Defensive midfielder)

    Wilson Palacios: Struggled to make an impression at Stoke.

    Honduras international Palacios was released by Stoke City this summer after largely failing to come good in his three seasons with the club. However, the defensive midfielder still possesses useful qualities as a player who can break things down in the middle of the park.

    The 31-year-old would most certainly be a risky signing but perhaps a trial before putting pen to paper could be a smart move for a team looking to add steel to their midfield.

    5) CARLTON COLE (Striker)

    Carlton Cole: 55 goals in 256 appearances for West Ham.

    The English striker has never lived up to his initial promise as a youngster at Chelsea but proved to be a useful target man for West Ham for a few years. In recent times however, he was largely limited to substitute appearances.

    The 31-year-old may yet be decent back-up for one of the lesser teams in the Premier League particularly when they look to launch balls into the box in search of a result.

    6) EZEQUIEL SCHELOTTO (Winger) 

    Ezequiel Schelotto: Just 12 Serie A games in two years at Inter Milan.

    After terminating his contract with Inter Milan by mutual consent on August 31, Schelotto  is now free to sign for another club. After two seasons in Inter’s first team squad, the winger spent the last couple of years on loan to Sassulo, Parma and Chievo.

    Three years ago, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli was impressed enough to hand him an international debut against England. Nicknamed El Galgo (The Greyhound) because of his running style, there is still plenty of time for the 26-year-old to revive his career.

    7) JOHN UTAKA (Midfielder/Forward)

    John Utaka: Played at two World Cups with Nigeria.

    At 33, John Utaka is a veteran of the Nigeria national team, appearing in the 2002 and 2010 World Cups, as well as the 2006 African Cup of Nations – in which the Super Eagles finished third.

    Utaka had successful spells in Ligue 1 with the likes of Lens, Rennes and Montpellier and proved that he was suited to the pace and physicality of the Premier League during his time with Portsmouth from 2007 to 2011. Still blessed with a good turn of pace and plenty of strength, the versatile attacker may yet pose a threat particularly as an impact player off the bench.

    8) RICARDO VAZ TE (Striker)

    Ricardo Vaz Te: Released by Akhisar Belediyespor after just six months.

    The former Bolton Wanderers player first made an impression with Barnsley in the Championship when he scored 10 times in 22 appearances, a stint that led to a move to West Ham where he was largely used as a substitute.

    He was limited to just 61 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons with the Hammers but still managed to score 19 goals in the process. He last played at Turkish Super Lig club Akhisar Belediyespor on loan, scoring 5 goals in 14 appearances.

    The Portuguese attacker, though erratic, is still only 28 and retains his pace, power and eye for goal. He wouldn’t be the worst acquisition for a club willing to take a punt.

    9) DWIGHT TIENDALLI (Full-back)

    Dwight Tiendalli: Won the Eredivsie title with FC Twente.

    Swansea City parted ways with the Dutch full-back by mutual consent on Tuesday; he had made just 46 appearances for the club and spent the end of last season on loan to Middlesbrough.

    The 29-year-old made his name as a reliable full-back during his time in the Eredivisie and won the league with FC Twente in the 2009-10 season. He was also capped by the Dutch national side in 2013 but has struggled to make an impression in British football.

    10) SHOLA AMEOBI (Striker)

    Only Newcastle icon Jackie Milburn scored more goals vs Sunderland than Ameobi.

    Newcastle boy Ameobi may be gearing up for the final move of his career. After 14 years with the Tyneside club brought 397 appearances and 79 goals, the former Nigeria international spent a season at Gaziantep BB before joining Crystal Palace in January.

    After being released by the Premier League club, however, the burly striker has been training with Huddersfield Town ahead of a potential move but may still be available for another club looking to swoop in.

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