Five players Man United can sign for free this week as next priority clear

An array of quality free agents are now available to Manchester United

The start of July is a significant period in the football calendar as out-of-contract players officially become available.

A host of big names are now free agents. Most, it must be said, are players coming towards the end of their careers but that doesn't mean they should be automatically overlooked. Manchester United have started a crucial summer as they look to build on the progress made under Michael Carrick over the second half of last season.

Having been handed the job permanently, Carrick is looking to put his mark on the squad. With Champions League football to look forward to, he is set to be backed financially in the transfer market, but there are some bargains to be had too.

The midfield is an obvious priority area following Casemiro's departure and the team's general shortcomings in the centre of the pitch in recent seasons. Ederson is on his way from Atalanta, while other areas of the pitch will be strengthened too. Here are five quality free agents looking for new clubs…

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Dani Carvajal

After more than 450 appearances and six Champions League medals, the Real Madrid legend is looking for a new club. At 34, his best days are behind him but the right-back's drive and professionalism are still evident.

After his Bernabeu departure was confirmed, he declared: "I'll keep playing, that's sure for me. We'll see what the best options are for me and my family, and based on that, I'll make the decision."

Dani Ceballos

The three-time Champions League winner is a free agent after leaving Real Madrid, the club he joined almost a decade ago. The midfielder, 29, is no stranger to the Premier League, having spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal from 2019 to 2021 and would need little time to settle in.

Raphael Guerreiro

The versatile 32-year-old, who can operate at both full-back and midfield, has just left Bayern Munich after three years in Bavaria.

There have been suggestions he could retire from the game. But if he decides to play on, any club would benefit from his experience and know-how at Champions League level.

Leon Goretzka

After winning seven Bundesliga titles in eight seasons with Bayern, the 31-year-old is free and ready to talk.

After being part of the Germany squad that flopped at the World Cup, shockingly losing on penalties to Paraguay, you wouldn't blame him for eyeing a move abroad. Having already been linked with Arsenal, could the Premier League beckon?

Dusan Vlahovic

It feels like the Serbian striker has been around for years but he is still just 26 and yet to realise his full potential. He is now bidding farewell to Juventus after 68 goals in four-and-a-half seasons in Turin.

He boasted a similar record for previous club Fiorentina. A club away from Italy now beckons, and he has been linked with several clubs, including Barcelona and Besiktas. Premier League clubs are bound to be sniffing too.

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