The best Scottish Premiership out of contract XI starring reborn Rangers star and square Celtic peg

It’s that time of the year where all focus turns to the transfer window and the ins and outs across the country.

But what about the host of big names currently on the books at the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen and beyond that have now officially entered the final six months of their contracts and are heading towards becoming free agents? At this stage of the game the power starts to shift towards the player as they can negotiate pre-contract moves elsewhere for the new campaign. But of course that isn’t always the case as we witnessed previously when Connor Goldson looked all but likely to leave Rangers with his contract almost up before deciding to pen a long-term future at Ibrox.

Record Sport has put an out of contract XI together from the host of names from the clubs across Scotland’s top flight that are in a position to stick or twist in the coming weeks and months. There are also honourable mentions to those who just missed the cut but are every bit as important to their club at present and time will whether they commit or move on to pastures new.

Starting with the goalkeeper. This is one of the positions that boasts a number of big names heading out of contract. But the standout and arguably one of Aberdeen’s top performers is Kelle Roos. The Pittodrie faithful will want to see him tied down to fresh terms after establishing himself as the club No1. For a long time it was Joe Lewis between the sticks in the Granite City but that ended when the Dutchman arrived and it has been his gloves ever since bar an injury spell. He’s not the only big name that could be snapped up with Motherwell skipper Liam Kelly, Celtic’s Joe Hart, Scotland and Hearts veteran Craig Gordon, Hibs’ David Marshall and Rangers back-up Jon McLaughlin all in a similar contractual decision.

n defence, experienced full-back pair in the shape of Stephen O’Donnell and Lewis Stevenson are currently heading towards being free agents. Both have played many club games and if they don’t stay at Motherwell and Hibs – they could provide real experienced heads for a new side. St Johnstone’s Liam Gordon has been a mainstay in Perth this term and they will be desperate to hold him and he will no doubt have interest at his door. Craig Halkett is another who on his day can be a real asset but injuries have been his main issue in the capital with a big decision facing Hearts over his future. Others like Leon Balogun – who has become a first-team starter under Philippe Clement – and Jack Baldwin at Ross County are in the final stages of current terms at their respective clubs.

The big names fall in the midfield area and three we have picked out will NOT be short of offers. Reborn Rangers star John Lundstram has already stated his desire to stay at Ibrox after expressing his love for the club but Celtic rival David Turnbull has not been so clear in his thought process. Brendan Rodgers may well look to cash in if the interest is there with midfield a well stocked area at Parkhead. The former Motherwell man has undoubted quality but that week to week start isn’t on the table at the champions. A big performer outside the big two has been Yhan Danda at Ross County. Hearts are already reportedly keen for the man who looks set to leave Dingwall.

Keanu Baccus has been a real find for St Mirren and it may be a surprise he has stayed in Paisley for the length of time currently. But it may well be his final months as he looks to move up the football ladder. Players are always ambitious to play at the top level and the Australia international will be no different and not be shy of offers. But he’s also enjoyed his time at the Buddies so you never no in football. Alan Forrest at Hearts and Bruce Anderson of Livingston are two others that their futures are yet to be determined. At the Lions the likes of Joel Nouble – who can be a real handful on his day – is also in that same category

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