David De Gea, Jesse Lingard and three more free agents who could be snapped up in January

With the January transfer window now open clubs can once again register new players for the second half of the season.

Some clubs will hope reinforcements will keep them from the drop, others will move to bolster a title challenge or a dash for a top-four finish. Others will reward a new manager with players they think they need.

However, with fresh concerns over financial fair play, and with huge spending over the summer ahead of the new season, some clubs might have to keep their powder dry, or look for bargains.

With some players still out of contract after the end of last season, some teams may have their eye on a free agent. We took a look at the best potential options.

Lingard left Nottingham Forest after just a single year, and many expected that he would link up with West Ham where he previously had a successful loan spell. However, no agreement with the Hammers was forthcoming, and he appeared to miss his chance for a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Both those destinations could be revisited in the new year, and there are suggestions that Ligue 1 teams would be keen to bring him in, too. Currently staying fit with Inter Miami, perhaps he could even end up as a team-mate to Lionel Messi.

For the last few months of the previous campaign, it had seemed that Manchester United and De Gea would compromise on a reduced salary in exchange for a contract extension. Instead, the Spaniard left on a free transfer, and Andre Onana was brought in.

With Onana’s form unconvincing and the Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, both parties may swallow their pride to reunite once more, at least in the short term. Another option might be for De Gea to step in as cover at Newcastle United, who have seen Nick Pope suffer a shoulder problem.

The former Aston Villa winger signed for Mainz only to have his contract terminated in October.

The 28-year-old has experience in the Premier League, and has also turned out for Lille and Ajax earlier in his career.

The experienced Brazilian was at Juventus and Bayern Munich between 2015 and 2021, playing for them both permanently and on loan, but more recently he was at LA Galaxy, having left the MLS side this year after more than 50 appearances.

While no longer at his very best, the 33-year-old could offer flair on the flanks, if he can stay fit.

The former Arsenal man left in 2021 to play for Schalke and Levante, but left the Segunda division side earlier this year.

Despite his experience he is still just 31, and like Costa, if he can stay fit then he could offer something for a club in need.

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