Out of contract in summer, but these top flight players should have no shortage of potential suitors...
GK: Willy Caballero
Caballero has performed reliably since taking over from Claudio Bravo as Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper at the end of January.
The club’s only defeat in that time was away to Monaco in the Champions League and, while it would be an exaggeration to say Caballero has inspired that run, his general competency has been important.
Likely destination: If he goes, a move abroad seems likelier than remaining in the Premier League.
RB: Bacary Sagna
Sagna presumably thought he would win more than a solitary League Cup when he left Arsenal to join City in 2014.
His performances at the Etihad have been solid, but the 34-year-old has neither the athleticism nor technique to be a first-choice full-back for Pep Guardiola.
Likely destination: A move to either Stoke or Watford would suit, depending on whether Sagna wants to stay in the north or return to London.
CB: John O’Shea
O’Shea should be commended for carving out a credible playing career since being sold by Manchester United.
And while Jermain Defoe is the only Sunderland player to enhance his reputation this season, O’Shea’s displays for the Republic of Ireland – he was superb against Gareth Bale last week – are a better reflection of what he can still offer.
Likely destination: The soon-to-be 36-year-old could do a fine job at West Bromwich Albion.
CB: John Terry
Terry has appeared so infrequently for Chelsea this season, it is impossible to know what state his legs are in.
He has the experience and knowledge to contribute to a lesser Premier League club, though, with a move to Swansea – where he would be reunited with Paul Clement – an intriguing option.
Likely destination: Can you really imagine Terry moving to Wales? No, us neither. A move to China or America awaits.
LB: Gael Clichy
Unlike others on this list, Clichy is vastly experienced without being on the verge of retirement.
The Frenchman, who has been a fine Premier League left-back for nearly 15 years, doesn’t turn 32 until July.
Likely destination: He might not be good enough to carry out Guardiola’s demands, but Clichy has a couple of years left in him and would be an excellent freebie for any club outside the big six.
DM: Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta has been a central figure in Manchester City’s rise from mid-table to big hitters in the Premier League.
His goal against QPR on the final day of the 2011/12 season, remember, put them on the way to their first title in 44 years.
But at the age of 32, it is likely a longer-term contract would be more forthcoming elsewhere.
Likely destination: He would be fantastic addition any side outside the top four, but may favour a move abroad.
DM: Michael Carrick
Carrick has intimated that he will retire if his Manchester United contract is not extended.
Leaving at the top would be a fitting end to a brilliant career, but the soon-to-be 36-year-old still passes and reads the game well enough to be an asset to most Premier League sides.
Likely destination: A farewell campaign with his hometown club, Newcastle United, might just convince him to play on for one more year.
RW: Jesus Navas
Tipped as City’s right-wing saviour when he signed in 2013, Navas has proved to be a false prophet at the Etihad.
The Spaniard has only ever played well sporadically, managing just eight goals in 113 appearances.
Likely destination: Having reportedly enrolled his five-year-old son into a school in Seville, a return to his old club, where the 31-year-old remains popular, looks nailed on.
It’s a move that would suit all parties.
LW: Victor Anichebe
Prior to injuring his knee in January, Anichebe’s performances this season were better than anyone could have expected.
He netted three times in 12 games – his first goals since May 2015 – and looked fitter and stronger than ever before, having spent the summer in LA with a Hollywood personal trainer.
Likely destination: Anichebe has done enough to get a contract at another struggling Premier League side, although he could go overseas.
AM: Yaya Toure
Toure has looked on his way out of City ever since his agent, Dimitri Seluk, and Pep Guardiola had a very public falling out.
The Ivorian should be applauded for getting back into his manager’s thinking, though, scoring six goals in just 19 starts.
Likely destination: If China doesn’t appeal, then a move to Serie A – Inter and AC Milan are interested – would suit the 33-year-old, who remains a classy operator.
CF: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan’s performances on the pitch speak for themselves, although the man himself is more than happy to do the talking off it as well.
The 35-year-old has scored more than 20 a season for 10 years in succession and, with 26 already this campaign, his powers are hardly waning.
Likely destination: You couldn’t begrudge Ibrahimovic one final payday in the MLS, but United should – and will – do everything to keep him.
