GISTS
Top Ten Premier League Players Whose Contracts End Next Summer
There are a host of players who will be worryingly pressurising their clubs about a new contract, with next summer marking the end of their current deals.
Out of the many who have less than a year left on their contract, here are the top ten...
10. Saido Berahino
West Bromwich Albion are desperate to tie down the future of Saido Berahino, who has broken onto the scene both in the Premier League and at under 21 international level. However, if the Burundi born striker learns of bigger clubs chasing his signature he may choose to see out his contract at the Hawthorns.
The 20 year old has already scored five goals in eight games this season for the Baggies, in addition to his four in three for the England under 21 side and if he continues in this form, then top clubs will soon come calling.
9. Frank Lampard
Along with John Terry and Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard is in the final year of his contract and it will be interesting to see what Jose Mourinho decides to do with the pillars of his old guard. While Terry and Cole will probably sign on for at least another year, the plethora of talented midfielders at Stamford Bridge may signal an end to Lampard's Chelsea career.
The England legend signed a one year deal last season, after a fine run of form, but it is doubtful the same will be repeated this time round for the 35 year old.
8. Dimitar Berbatov
When Dimitar Berbatov signed a two year deal with Fulham at the start of last season, it was expected that he would not sign on an extension to the deal at any point. Although his time at Craven Cottage has been a success, Fulham are facing a long season in the bottom half of the table.
For someone of Berbatov's undoubted quality, this will most likely be his last season with the Cottagers and a race to sign the Bulgarian international will surely get under way at the end of the campaign.
7. Joleon Lescott
Joleon Lescott's career at Manchester City is definitely reaching its end and the only reason he has been playing this season is down to Vincent Kompany's injury issues. The former Everton defender was tipped to leave the Etihad this summer, but a move for Lescott never happened.
The England international has lost his place both for club and country and will surely be willing to leave the Citizens when his contract runs out in order to return to playing first team football on a regular basis.
6. Michael Carrick
One of the most high profile names on this list, Michael Carrick is also facing the prospect of leaving Manchester United next summer, along with the likes of Vidic, Patrice Evra and Fabio, as David Moyes plans to build a new era at Old Trafford.
Although he was one of the league's best players last season, a new type of central midfielder may be needed at United as they try and retain the title. The 32 year old, who still features for England, will be in high demand if he does leave the Red Devils at the end of the season.
5. Johnny Heitinga
Heitinga is yet another defender who is in the final year of his current contract. As of yet, no negotiations between Everton and the Dutch international have been arranged and that may come to the attention of clubs around Europe.
The 29 year old has been at Goodison Park for four seasons already and has been a regular feature in the Toffees' side, despite Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin being the first choice centre backs. With his contract running out, it is widely believed that the former Atletico Madrid defender will move away from Merseyside.
4. Sebastian Larsson
Although the Black Cats still have a good chance of staying in the top flight following Gus Poyet's revival, the Swedish international may still look for a new challenge next season.
3. Younes Kaboul
Like Vidic, Younes Kaboul is another player whose recurring injury problems have hampered his playing time over the past few seasons. Kaboul, now in his second spell at Spurs, is behind the likes of Michael Dawson, Jan Vertonghen and summer signing Vlad Chiriches in making the starting XI due to his time on the sidelines.
AVB may decide that if the Frenchman does not return to match fitness and break into the first team, then he will not be offered a new contract at White Hart Lane.
2. Bacary Sagna
Next summer, the 30 year old may not be so lucky and if Sagna does leave the Emirates then a host of top European clubs will likely make a move for him.
1. Nemanja Vidic
Manchester United's captain will have to improve his fitness if he wants to earn a new deal with the Red Devils. Whereas Sir Alex Ferguson had unquestionable faith in the Serbian defender, David Moyes may not be so optimistic.
The 32 year old centre back is in his ninth season at Old Trafford, but he has failed to make more than 20 league appearances in the last two years. With Moyes trying to make his mark on United, Vidic may be one of those shown the door next summer.
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