Mbappe, Rabiot, Koke - Best players Manchester United and Man City can sign for free in January
Manchester United and Manchester City can enter into contract discussions with players whose deals expire in the summer

Manchester United and Manchester City fans are heading into the January transfer window hoping to see their clubs conduct business to strengthen their squads.
While both teams are currently focused on outgoings and players who can arrive this winter, they will also be keeping a firm eye on the summer and could grab a bargain for later this year, right now. Thanks to transfer rules, players who are out of contract at the end of the season overseas are free to enter into pre-contract talks with clubs.
Although a player is not able to link-up with their new teammates in January, should a deal be reached, both United and City can sign them for free upon the expiration of their contracts at their current clubs. Of course, many clubs try to avoid letting their best players reach a position where they can walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
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However, for one reason or another, there are plenty of players across Europe and beyond who find themselves in a lucrative position to weigh up their options. Perhaps they will look to negotiate with a club to help aide their contract renewals with their existing teams or are looking to take this opportunity to move on to pastures new.
Either way, there are some good players our Manchester clubs could target in January to give themselves a boost in the 2024/25 season. With this in mind, MEN Sport has put together the best players on the market for them to consider.
Kylian Mbappe - PSG
Perhaps the game-changing transfer any club would love to make happen. Mbappe is out of contract at the end of the campaign having rejected a switch to Saudi Arabia in the last window. Real Madrid look most likely to sign him but until it is officially announced, there is still a chance.
1 of 6Adrien Rabiot - Juventus
A long-term target for United, Rabiot signed a new one-year deal last summer having been surprised at the lack of interest from other clubs. His contract expires again in 2024 so Ten Hag may wish to return to that option
2 of 6Koke - Atletico Madrid
Atleti's one-club captain has made his feelings clear about wanting to stay in the Spanish capital. However, with no extension currently agreed, his head may be turned.
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