Best XI: Premier League players out of contract this summer

Uncertainty heading into the summer has got to be an unsavoury situation when one's contract is up.

Yet, as fees soar to astronomical heights with each passing transfer season, there are plenty of suitors in search of a bargain, and it doesn't get any cheaper than signing a player on a free transfer - similar to Manchester United's capture of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last year.

Here is a look at the best starting XI comprised of players out of contract this summer:

Willy Caballero - Manchester City

The mass exodus at Manchester City will at least whet the appetite of clubs in search of a competent 'keeper, as Willy Caballero gets set to hit the free-agent market. Preferred by manager Pep Guardiola ahead of former No. 1 Joe Hart, the Argentine has managed to put together a strong season behind Claudio Bravo, and has only been responsible for one loss in all matches when he's been selected as the starter.

Bacary Sagna - Manchester City

At 34, Bacary Sagna isn't the elite right-back who earned a reputation as one of the Premier League's top defenders before ditching north London for Manchester in 2014. However, there are clubs all over Europe where the France international's services could be put to good use, as his speed and awareness will be valuable attributes for teams in search of an attack-minded right-back.

John Terry - Chelsea

The end appears to be near for John Terry in a Chelsea strip, as the English centre-back enters the final months of his illustrious career with the Premier League leader. While the majority of free agents on this list could find new homes in England, few would be surprised if Terry followed fellow Chelsea legend Frank Lampard across the pond to link up with a Major League Soccer team.

Lucas Leiva - Liverpool

After almost 10 years, Lucas Leiva looks destined to leave Merseyside, as the versatile Brazilian has struggled for playing time under manager Jurgen Klopp. The 30-year-old might not have to look far, though, if Stoke renews its reported interest once the transfer window opens.

Pablo Zabaleta - Manchester City

Pablo Zabaleta might be the toughest player for City fans to part with this summer. The Argentine right-back has developed into a cult hero, thanks to his reputation as a consummate professional who's shown a willingness to sacrifice if it meant his side had a chance to secure three points.

Jesus Navas - Manchester City

In contrast with Zabaleta, few Manchester City fans will shed a tear if/when the Jesus Navas era comes to a close. With his reputation in England taking a beating for his poor displays on the wing - where his reluctance to take an open shot, and his inability to deliver a cross higher than a defender's kneecap have been exposed season after season - Navas may want to explore opportunities back home in Spain.

Michael Carrick - Manchester United

The calming presence of Michael Carrick in Manchester United's midfield scheme has been virtually non-existent during Jose Mourinho's first season in charge. The 35-year-old, who's dealt with injuries this term, still has the ability to improve a number of midfields around Europe.

Joe Ledley - Crystal Palace

A lack of first-team opportunities over the last two seasons could lead to Joe Ledley's departure from Crystal Palace this summer, as the Welshman will undoubtedly be eager to join a team willing to provide regular playing time. Whether an opportunity arises in the Premier League remains to be seen. A larger role abroad, however, remains a possibility as the 30-year-old could always try his luck back in Scotland or Wales.

Santi Cazorla - Arsenal

Teams in the market for a creative midfielder could be in luck if Arsenal elects to end the season without signing Santi Cazorla to a new contract. It's a decision that would likely cause an uproar in north London, as supporters and pundits alike have cited Cazorla's injury absence as a contributing factor to Arsenal's struggles this season. However, it appears the 32-year-old could still return to the Emirates Stadium next season after documents emerged showing the club activated a clause in his contract in December.

Yaya Toure - Manchester City

Shipping Yaya Toure out of Manchester seemed inevitable earlier in the season, when Pep Guardiola refused to give the Cote d'Ivoire midfielder a sniff of the pitch in the midst of a public dispute with the player's agent. However, a change of heart saw Toure return to the fold in November, and kick-start his season with a handful of solid performance up the middle of the park. Although he's a far cry from the elite midfielder who helped City capture a pair of Premier League titles, there should be plenty of demand from a variety of teams around the world once the summer transfer window rolls around.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Manchester United

The least likely of this list to enter the summer as a free agent is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who's been nothing short of superb during his first season in England with Manchester United. There's been plenty of talk of United extending Ibrahimovich's stay another year, but the looming threat of the unpredictable 35-year-old taking his talents to MLS remains.

Subs: Arouna Kone (Everton), John O'Shea (Sunderland), Joleon Lescott (Sunderland), Joey Barton (Burnley), Damien Delaney (Crystal Palace), Yaya Sanogo (Arsenal), Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace)