It's that time of the season when contracts come into focus.
Players whose deals run out in the summer are able to negotiate a free transfer away as early as January, meaning clubs are forced into a decision: protect themselves via a winter sale or offer an extension to maintain some kind of value.
Either way, it's awkward to navigate.
A number of star players across Europe are approaching this situation and will be able to leave their teams on a free in July if new terms aren't agreed. Here, we look at the best available; a telling task when you see a handful of clubs' best players appearing on the list.