De Gea, Lingard, Diego Costa..but what forgotten free agent stars are available?

The January transfer window offers clubs in desperate need of reinforcements the chance to pick up a bargain.

Most teams are unwilling to part with their star players midway through the season, but free agents are a great option to bolster a squad at a fraction of the price.

Manchester United are among those who could pursue the free agent market after Anthony Martial was ruled out for 10 weeks, leaving Rasmus Hojlund as their only fit recognised striker.

So, which forgotten footballing stars are lurking as free agents this transfer window and who could potentially be snapped up?

Here, Mail Sport provides a rundown of the big names who are without a club.

Diego Costa

If clubs are looking for goals, they may also turn their heads to another free agent in Diego Costa.

The former Chelsea striker's prolific goal scoring record speaks for itself and his experience could be utilised.

After moving from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2018, Costa has bounced around clubs, including a year long spell at Wolves in 2022.

After transferring to Brazilian team Botafogo, Costa is now a free agent and could be eyeing a new move.

Konstantinos Manolas

Greek defender Konstantinos Manolas, the former AS Roma player infamous for scoring that comeback goal against Barcelona in the Champions League, is currently playing for UAE side Sharjah FC.

After spending five years at Roma, Manolas moved to Napoli for two years before a brief spell at Olympiacos.

For many clubs looking to sure up their defence this transfer window, the experienced Manolas could prove to be a good option.

Carlos Vela

Mexican star Vela, once of Arsenal, is now a free agent after playing for Los Angeles FC.

The 34-year-old attacker spent the majority of his career at Real Sociedad, where he scored 54 goals, before moving to LA.

From 2018 until last year, Vela scored 78 goals in 152 appearances in the MLS.

Judging by those numbers, Vela may prove to be a good attacking option for clubs seeking some firepower at the top end of the pitch.

David de Gea

De Gea is still on the lookout for his next club - six months after leaving Manchester United.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who was hand-picked by the great Sir Alex Ferguson, departed Old Trafford in 2023 after failing to agree terms on a new contract.

The 33-year-old, who had spent 12 years of his career, at the club but was replaced by Inter Milan's Andre Onana in a £47m deal.

Mail Sport reported Newcastle had been considering a shock move for De Gea, who has also been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia.

But he has so far remained a free agent and provides an experienced option for teams in need of a top goalkeeper.

Jesse Lingard

Lingard, another ex-United star, appears to be confused by the delay over finding his new club.

The 31-year-old has been hard at work in the gym staying fit and sharp, ready for the next spell in his career.

But he remains a free agent after spending 11 years of his career at United before going on loan to West Ham in 2021 and a year at Nottingham Forest last season.

Lingard recently dismissed his representatives in his dramatic bid to secure a deal with a new club this year.

Where will Lingard end up and will it still be in the Premier League? We will have to wait and see.

Douglas Costa

If sides are keen to add attacking options to their starting line-up, Douglas Costa may be the perfect option.

The 33-year-old Brazilian has played for a number of top sides, including Bayern Munich and Juventus.

After going on loan to Gremio and then signing for LA Galaxy in 2022, Costa is now looking for a team.

His age and high-wage demand may put certain teams off, but nonetheless he will surely be monitored.

Mamadou Sakho

Back in October last season, Sakho was suspended after grabbing his manager by the collar in training at Montpellier.

The former Liverpool star spent six years at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the Reds.

In 2017 he then joined Crystal Palace until 2021 before making the move to the French Ligue 1 side.

But, his controversial history at the club has seen him drop down the ranks. Despite that, he could still provide valuable defensive reinforcement for a struggling side.

Matty Longstaff

Matty Longstaff was a victim of a brutal move by Newcastle's owners to release eight players from their squad which they felt were surplus.

The 23-year-old has said he was living the dream playing for his boyhood club alongside his brother Sean.

But the English midfielder has now been left without a club and unemployed since his release.

He will be hoping to turn things round quick in his career and get back to playing football.

Alexandre Pato

Another world-renowned free agent on this list is former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.

The 34-year-old has spent the last two years of his playing career at Orlando City and Sao Paulo.

Prior to that, he had played for Italian giants Milan, Chelsea and Villareal. But the Brazilian striker is currently up as a free agent.

His goalscoring prowess will still surely be valued, but at 34 years of age teams may be put off.

Jese Rodriguez

Last but not least is the former Stoke winger Jese Rodriguez, who is available to be bought on a free.

The 30-year-old forward from Spain has again played for a number of top clubs including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

But after bouncing around different teams for the last three years at Las Palmas, Ankaragücü and Sampdoria, Jese is on the lookout for a new team.

While it may appear that the first half of his career was more successful than the second, perhaps there is still time for him to turn it around.