The Free Agents XI

Help! You're the manager of a Premier League club and your particular region has been hit by Swine Flu, wiping out your entire squad for the season. Don't worry, they wont die, they just can't play for a year....just play along, alright?

You're going to have to ask the chairman to reach into his pockets, but only moths fly out because he's a local businessman, not a foreign oil tycoon, and you've spent your entire £20 million budget on that Brazilian lad, who's refusing to come over while the disease is causing havoc.

But wait, there's hope. We're now over halfway through July and there are several out of contract players looking for a club. The wage bill will be extortionate, of course, but you have no choice.

Here is a possible Free Agent XI, comprised of players released from top flight clubs at the end of June, in both England and Spain.

GK: Sebastien Viera
Released by: Villarreal

Uruguayan goalkeeper Viera was once a regular with the 'Yellow Submarine' before the signing of Diego Lopez saw him ousted from the first-team after two full seasons uncontested. In fact, before his move to Villarreal in 2005 he was linked to Arsenal. He may have been warming the bench for a year or two but at 26 years old and with international caps under his belt, he has credentials making him worthy of a free transfer.

RB: Lucas Neill
Released by: West Ham

West Ham have turned over a new leaf under their new ownership; they're refusing to pay silly money for players and over the odds for player's wages and as such, Lucas Neill has left the club. The Hammers are open to Neill's return but with the Australian refusing to accept reduced terms a compromise looks likely to be reached. He has captained both club and country and could do the same for your team.

CB: Pascal Cygan
Released by: Villarreal

Don't laugh. Pascal Cygan is remembered infamously by Arsenal fans as not their most prized asset, and he has since only managed to chalk up around 50 appearances for Villarreal in the last three years. The Frenchman has experience at both Premier League and Champions League level however, and isn't to be taken lightly.

CB: Sol Campbell
Portsmouth

Yet to officially leave Portsmouth, Sol Campbell is out of contract and likely to depart this summer as Pompey, like West Ham with Neill, do not wish to renew the defender's contract on his current weekly wage. Campbell has never moved to a new club for a transfer fee, despite his undoubted ability, something Tottenham Hotspur fans have never forgotten. He may prefer a payout abroad to see out the final days of his career, but definitely a possibility worth entertaining.

LB: Sylvinho
Released by: Barcelona

Another experienced defender, full-back Sylvinho has enjoyed several years at Barcelona, including a full 90 minutes in the victorious Champions League final against Manchester United; a fitting end to his spell at the Camp Nou. Espanyol are now believed to be tracking the 35-year-old, who once dislodged Nigel Winterburn from his place in the Arsenal starting XI.

RM: Jerome Thomas
Released by: Portsmouth

Now, I'm fully aware that Jerome Thomas is a left winger traditionally, but he's a good lad so I'm sure he'd do as he was told. Plus, he hasn't got a club, so I'd bet he'd love to play right wing for this side. A youth product at Arsenal, Thomas eventually joined Charlton and made over 100 appearances before leaving for Portsmouth, where he failed to make an impact after injury.

CM: Dietmar Hamann
Released by: Manchester City

A classy defensive midfielder of the highest calibre, Dietmar Hamann was one of a handful of Manchester City players released last month as the cogs of the revolution begin to turn at Eastlands. Hamann has been to World Cups and has a Champions League winners' medal after playing a pivotal part in containing AC Milan during Liverpool's second-half fightback in 2005. Still believes he has a good couple of years left in his legs.

CM: Antoine Sibierski
Released by: Wigan Athletic

With a wealth of Premier League experience under his belt, Antoine Sibierski is hardly one of the most attractive prospects on this list, but is an attacking midfielder who is willing to get forward and can operate in the hole; something that would work well alongside Dietmar Hamann as an anchor. Plus, remember when Wigan signed him and he scored three goals in three games? Magic moments.

LM: Peter Lovenkrands
Released by: Newcastle United

Not wishing to stay at St James Park following Newcastle's relegation, Peter Lovenkrands has brought his short and ill-fated stay on Tyneside to an end. One of many Newcastle simply could not keep hold of, Lovenkrands is also one of few sub-30-year-olds in this first-team, as is to be expected with out of contract players, and can operate as a striker, giving the side some options and versatility.

CF: Fernando Morientes
Released by: Valencia

At 33 years of age, Fernando Morientes will feel he still has plenty to offer a club. Valencia most likely would rather have kept the Spaniard, but their financial plight is such that they have had to trim their wage budget significantly. In an illustrious career that has taken in Real Madrid, Monaco and Liverpool, Morientes may not have set the Premier league alight in the past, but Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is said to be considering a move for the striker.

CF: Mark Viduka
Released by: Newcastle United

As long as Newcastle are in financial disarray and severely lacking stability, they will struggle to afford, and ultimately keep players like Mark Viduka. The Australian has in the past been considered one of the most potent strike threats in the Premier League. There are question marks surrounding his fitness and his best days may have passed him, but well worth a gamble, particularly if it costs nothing.

So there it is, The Free Agents XI. Just a few notes on closing:

a) I'm aware that the wage bill for this side would be astronomical - Neill and Campbell alone for example would probably cost you around £150,000 a week.

b) I'm also aware that this team is largely the wrong side of 30, but I also believe several of these players e.g. Campbell, Morientes are more than capable of performing at the highest level, despite their advanced age. Five years ago, it'd be bringing you some serious silverware; League Cups and everything.

c) It was extremely difficult to find an out of contract goalkeeper. Before arriving at Viera, I went through Jerzy Dudek, Carlos Kameni, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Gabor Kiraly (yes, with the pyjama trousers), and many more, most of whom had signed a measly one year contract extension. Such is the life of a substitute 'keeper.

d) I don't think Swine Flu is funny, but you know what they say, if you don't laugh you'll cry and all that.