It is becoming more and more common in the modern game for players to run down their contracts.
Both players and agents are taking advantage of the fact they can earn big signing on fees when moving to a club on a free transfer.
If Leeds United are able to secure their Premier League status this season, then the Premier League free agent market could be something they take a huge advantage of.
Several quality players are into the final six months of their current deals and in some cases, are showing no indication that they would be willing to sign a new one.
Here is a look at five out of contract players Leeds could target in the summer.
Jesse Lingard
While speculation continues to mount over a January loan move to Newcastle United, Lingard appears reluctant as it stands to leave Manchester United on a permanent deal.
Lingard has struggled for game time at Old Trafford this season and the Magpies are looking to take advantage of that this month.
However, if the 29-year-old opts to see out his contract at Man United until the end of the season, there is likely to be a major battle for his signature.
His work rate and quality would make him a perfect acquisition in that attacking midfield role of Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Todd Cantwell
Even on a free transfer, Cantwell would represent a significantly bigger gamble than Lingard given his form in recent months.
Cantwell has found it a struggle to establish himself as a regular at Norwich City and the Canaries would be open to offers for him this month.
However, no club has yet to show any significant interest in the 23-year-old as of yet, making a summer move more likely.
If Leeds signed him and he was able to re-find his form of a couple of years ago, he could provide a decent squad option both out wide and in midfield.
Divock Origi
During his time at Liverpool, Origi has established himself as somewhat of a cult hero for some of the vital goals he has scored down the years.
However, during the entirety of his career at Anfield, Origi has played second fiddle to the Reds’ famed front three of Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
With the 26-year-old now set to enter the prime years of his career, it could be time for him to find a home where he is more of a regular.
Given Patrick Bamford’s injury struggles this season, he could be an excellent option in the summer if Leeds decide they need a new striker.
Eddie Nketiah
Due to his knowledge of the system, Nketiah could be a very shrewd piece of summer business if Leeds decide to pursue him.
Nketiah has rejected several contract offers from Arsenal in recent months as he looks for a home that could offer him playing time assurances.
He has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace as early as this month, as well as a potential pre-contract agreement in Germany.
However, if he decides to run his contract down and assess his options in the summer, Leeds could do much worse than him.
James Milner
It appears likely that Milner will leave Liverpool this summer with no contract offer yet on the table for the 36-year-old.
Milner has been an excellent servant to the Reds since his free transfer move from Manchester City, winning both the Premier League and Champions League.
However, with the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones now establishing themselves as first team regulars, it could be time for Milner to pass on the baton.
And there would be no better way to finish his career than to go full circle and re-join Leeds, for whom he could certainly provide a solid squad option.
