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Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson have hit the news lately over their existing contract situation. Both, come July, could leave Liverpool FC on a free transfer.

Jon Flanagan and Suso also await contract extensions at Anfield.

But while Europe's top clubs could, in theory, agree deals for these players, the boot is also on the other foot.

The January transfer window will provide the first opportunity for the Reds to sign some top players from across Europe whose contracts are ready to expire. Pre-contract agreements can be penned by players who have less than six months remaining on their deals.

Here's who could be available to Liverpool next summer on a free – or even a cut-price deal in January if contracts remain unsigned.

Players under 24 may require compensation being paid.

Sami Khedira (Real Madrid)

Age: 27

Several clubs are said to be interested in signing the German defensive midfielder – Bayern Munich included – but would be a brilliant signing for the Reds. Offers everything including height, power and a decent long-range shot.

Karim Bellarabi (Bayer Leverkusen)

Age: 24

One of the hottest properties in Germany at the moment. Quick, direct and full of goals and assists, the Leverkusen right winger has been one of the Bundesliga's best players this season. Recently made Germany debut.

Fabian Delph (Aston Villa)

Age: 25

Energetic midfielder who has steadily improved for the Midlands side. Currently out through injury but would add another option to Liverpool's middle.

Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro)

Age: 25

Wide man who was coveted by the club in January. Has scored three goals in 11 league games so far this season and can play across the front three.

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus)

Age: 30

A mainstay in the Juve side which has dominated Serie A in recent seasons. The right back, signed from Lazio in 2011, can both attack and defend; has also played in two World Cups.

James Milner (Manchester City)

Age: 28

One of the Premier League's most under-rated players. Milner is a workhorse who will always graft for the team – but don't discount his ability on the ball, either. Offers the possibility of playing wide, central midfield or even right back.

Andrea Ranocchia (Inter Milan)

Age: 26

Club captain insists he will sign a new contract soon – but commanding central defender, who reads the game well, is yet to put pen to paper. Very strong in the air and still young enough to learn; would be a brilliant addition to the Reds back-line.

Maxi Pereira (Benfica)

Age: 30

Uruguayan right back who has already been linked with the Reds in the Portuguese media. Solid and dependable, he comes with experience at the highest level, having played in the Champions League and World Cup.

Andre Ayew (Marseille)

Age: 24

Ghana international who can both create and score goals. Rapid with and without the ball, he plays predominately on the left and would give the Reds a fine option in attack.

Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)

Age: 27

Italian winger who is quick. Really, really quick. And at five-foot-five, really, really small. Never quite fulfilled his potential at Juventus (though he hit 11 goals in 2012/13) but has the pace to trouble Premier League full backs.

Stefan Reinartz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Age: 25

Versatile defensive player who can play in both defence and midfield, but features more as a holding midfielder. Injury problems dashed hopes of World Cup call-up, but would bring experience of playing in an attacking side.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke)

Age: 31

Dutch hitman has had a glorious career with spells at Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Averaged one-in-two for the national side and could provide a good option off the bench for a club desperate for striking reinforcements.

Ignazio Abate (AC Milan)

Age: 28

A quick, tricky full-back who predominately plays right back – but could also put in a shift on the other side if needs be. Has been with Milan since 1999 but the World Cup defender may want a change, and Anfield could be that change.

Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa)

Age: 29

Still no deal for the big Dutch defender, who helped keep Villa up and was phenomenal at the World Cup. For a team who needs a commanding centre-back with proven Premier League experience, he would be a no-brainer.

Andre-Pierre Gignac (Marseille)

Age: 28

Powerful but slow French striker who has flourished under Marcelo Bielsa's swashbuckling style of football, which would give hope he could adapt to Brendan Rodgers' ideal way of playing.

Fabian Schar (FC Basel)

Age: 22

Swiss centre back who rose to prominence during Basel's fine run to the Europa League semi-final. Good on the ball and a danger from set-pieces with youth on his side. Could be long-term Daniel Agger replacement.

Winston Reid (West Ham)

Age: 26

The New Zealand defender who has been a big part of West Ham's fantastic season would offer a good option as Brendan Rodgers looks to keep his defence fresh. Previously linked with move to Anfield.

Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar)

Age: 27

This season's Champions League top scorer, who hasn't failed to hit 15 in a season since 2008. A proven goalscorer both domestically and in Europe.

Nigel De Jong (AC Milan)

Age: 30

Tough-tackling defensive midfielder who still has plenty to give, despite his advancing years. Won the title with Manchester City in 2012 which would serve him well.

Neto (Fiorentina)

Age: 25

With the goalkeeper situation becoming increasingly uncertain due to Simon Mignolet's form, the Brazilian could be a viable option. His performances last season led to a call-up to the national side this season, although injury denied him of a debut.

Yohann Gourcuff (Lyon)

Age: 28

French talent who has fallen off the radar through injuries and loss of form, making just 51 starts since moving to Lyon in 2010. But if fit and firing, would be a fantastic creative outlet, and Rodgers excels in turning careers around.

Danny Ings (Burnley)

Age: 22

Former Dorchester Town striker who is now one of England's biggest young talents, rising to prominence with 21 goals in Burnley's promotion season. A goalscorer who is figuring out life in the Premier League; a good goal-poacher.