Transfer Talk: Cavani and Mata star in LiveScore's out-of-contract XI

Domestic football is finally back and clubs have been spending big in the transfer market to strengthen their squads — but not all great deals have to break the bank.

Several players remain without a team after their contracts with previous clubs expired at the beginning of July.

LiveScore have pulled together some of the most high-profile names to form an out-of-contract XI with plenty of teams still in the market as we approach the September deadline.

Goalkeeper — Ben Foster

Following a four-year spell at Watford, Ben Foster left Vicarage Road having made 207 appearances for the Hornets.

The veteran custodian and rising YouTube star suggested that his playing days were not over on social media, but the ex-England stopper is yet to find a new club.

Wherever he ends up, Foster will bring a wealth of experience and quality with him as he continues his successful career.

Right-back — Serge Aurier

Having left Tottenham in 2021, Serge Aurier spent a season at Spanish side Villarreal before re-entering the market as a free agent in the summer of 2022.

The Ivory Coast international would add flair and speed to any defensive line, but his unpredictability and rash decision-making means clubs are wary of the right-back.

Aurier, 29, has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid where he could thrive under the leadership of mentality monster Diego Simeone.

Centre-back — Jason Denayer

Defensive stallion and Belgian international Jason Denayer finds himself without a club at the start of the new domestic season.

The 27-year-old ended a four-year spell at Lyon in June, but he has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks.

Having made 35 international appearances for Belgium, Denayer has been in discussions with the likes of Ajax, Valencia and Fulham over a potential free transfer this summer.

Centre-back — Dan-Axel Zagadou

Considered a future star just a few years ago, Dan-Axel Zagadou now finds himself available for free following his departure from Borussia Dortmund. 

Zagadou made 91 appearances for BVB, but the 6ft 5in centre-back has been hindered by injuries, missing 83 games during his five-year stay in Germany.

The 23-year-old is a hot topic in the free agent market, with West Ham and Roma reportedly keen on acquiring the Frenchman's services.

Left-back — Marcelo

Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo is one of the biggest names in the free market.

The flying full-back, 34, won 25 major trophies at the Bernabeu and will bring his winning mentality to his next club.

Rumours are linking Marcelo with a return to Brazil, but the left-back has previously expressed a desire to stay in Europe.

Central midfield — Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater endured five wasted seasons at Chelsea, making just 23 appearances.

The 32-year-old was one to watch when he made the switch from Leicester to London, but his career never got up and running in the capital.

Fast forward to 2022 and the Premier League winner is struggling to find a club.

Central midfield — Juan Mata

Somewhat of a forgotten man at Manchester United, Juan Mata departed the Red Devils this summer.

Boasting one of the most glittering trophy cabinets in world football, the Spaniard still has plenty to offer at 34 — even if his involvement at Old Trafford was limited.

Interest in Mata has been rife, with Leeds, Beskitas and several clubs from MLS keen on securing the magician on a short-term contract.

Central midfield — Fabian Delph

Although it seems like Fabian Delph has been present in the Premier League since the dawn of time, the Bradford-born midfielder is still only 32 years old.

Delph left Manchester City in 2019 and joined Everton, where he made 35 Premier League appearances for the Toffees. 

Interest in the ball-winning midfielder is not huge, especially in England's top flight, but the likes of Watford and Norwich could extend Delph's glittering career.

Right wing — Adnan Januzaj

When Adnan Januzaj turned out for Manchester United as an 18-year-old, there was a lot of expectation around the young Belgian attacker.

Nine years later and Januzaj has had spells at Dortmund, Sunderland and Real Sociedad with no real success, but his career is not over yet.

Often capable of moments of magic, Januzaj is on the hunt for a new home with West Ham and Everton reportedly interested in the tricky winger.

Left wing — Willian

Mikel Arteta enticed Willian into a gig at Arsenal with the promise that he would win the Champions League within three years, but the Brazilian never got a sniff of the competition in North London.

The former Chelsea winger's career has tailed off significantly in the last two seasons after he posed an attacking threat during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Having just celebrated his 34th birthday, Willian will be looking for one more payday before retirement, but given his short spell at Corinthians was unsuccessful, it may be a tough task to find a new club.

Striker — Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani's spell at United was ill-timed — the club is not in a good place right now and does not look like it will be any time soon.

The Uruguayan talisman played 41 times in the Premier League for the Red Devils, netting on 12 occasions.

Although Cavani is now 35, his hunger does not appear lessened, with Villarreal and Boca Juniors frontrunners for his signature.