The January transfer window is now officially open, allowing clubs the chance to bolster or trim their squads at the midpoint of the season.
But for those players entering the final six months of their contracts, it also means they can begin negotiations with overseas clubs.
The rules state they can line up moves to a club in another country for the summer window.
Given there’s no shortage of Premier League players nearing the end of their current deals, we could see plenty begin to explore their next move this month.
Here’s a few of the bigger names able to start negotiations with foreign clubs as of now.
Raphael Varane is eligible to speak to foreign clubs over a summer move as of January 1, one of several prominent Premier League players entering the final six months of their contracts
Manchester United, defender
As Mail Sport revealed on New Year’s Eve, United will not activate the option to extend Raphael Varane’s contract by a further 12 months from the end of the campaign.
The French defender’s deal will therefore run out in the summer but United are eager to negotiate a fresh one that reduces his costly £340,000-a-week wages.
But their decision means Varane, who fell out of favour with manager Erik ten Hag recently, can look into a move away from Old Trafford if he doesn’t want to slash his salary.
Varane, 30, arrived when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was United’s manager and was important in Ten Hag’s first season before slipping out of favour.
JOEL MATIP
Liverpool, defender
Matip may well have played his final game for Liverpool after suffering a ruptured ACL that will keep him out the second half of the season.
Although manager Jurgen Klopp did hint recently at talks over a new deal for Matip, urging the club to ‘show class’ with the injured 32-year-old Cameroon international.
But that decision may be taken out of his hands if Matip decides to call time on his seven-year Anfield career which has seen Premier League and Champions League glory.
Joel Matip will may not play another game for Liverpool after suffering an ACL injury
JORGINHO
Arsenal, defensive midfield
The Italian only signed from Chelsea for £12m a year ago but Jorginho is already into the final six months of his short 18-month deal.
He’s captained the Gunners side a few times this season but equally has struggled for starts and the 31-year-old may well decide to move on in the summer.
Jorginho admitted a…