Five 'surely they can't stay' players who need a move

It had seemed for all certainty that these players would be off, but with under a month of the transfer window to go, so far there are no takers. They couldn't possibly stay could they?

Florent Malouda

The Frenchman has had a mixed time at Chelsea, underwhelming for extended periods, but outstanding in patches. His best season came in 2009/10 and early 2010/11 he has been out of his best form for around 18 months. He made just 11 league starts last season and 15 in total, and at 32 his time at the club appears to be up. Ryan Bertrand was preferred to him on the left wing in the Champions League final, and Eden Hazard and Marko Marin have since been signed. He has been searching for a move either back to France, or to Brazil - where his wife hails from - but so far no agreements have been struck.

Sebastien Squillaci

The Frenchman is generally seen as one of Arsene Wenger's worst ever buys, and is a player no Arsenal fan will want to see donning the club shirt again. The problem is he has a contract to run until next summer, and is showing every intention of letting it run down. If he does, he faces becoming the club's Winston Bogarde, happy to pick up his wages with no chance of playing. It's unlikely the 31-year-old, who made just one Premier League appearance last year - as a substitute - will be signed by another English club, and his best bet may be hoping for a move back to his native France.

William Gallas

William Gallas has been at three London clubs already, Arsenal and Chelsea before Spurs, and wouldn't have any problem adding a fourth. Both West Ham and QPR have been suggested as potential destinations. The 34-year-old Frenchman made just 15 league starts last year, and faces intense competition for places in the Tottenham defence, with Jan Vertonghen's arrival added to Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul. With Ledley King retired, Gallas' future could directly hinge on whether Spurs loan or keep Steven Caulker. If they loan him out, then the Frenchman could be an unlikely contender to stay.

Diego Arismendi

24-year-old Diego Arismendi signed with Stoke back in 2009, but is yet to make a competitive league start for the Potteries club, although did feature in the Europa League. The midfielder's most notorious contribution to life in Stoke was making the headlines by forcing his neighbour to move out because of the persistent late night parties held at his home. He has been on loan at Brighton, Barnsley, and most recently Huddersfield, but has been back with Stoke for pre-season. You would think he needs a move away from the club for the sake of his career, but it does not appear to be forthcoming at present.

Dimitar Berbatov

The Bulgarian has been linked with moves away from Old Trafford consistently since January, but so far is out of luck. The striker has been touted for a move to Germany, Russia, Turkey, and even to West Ham, and at a bargain price of £5 million, it is amazing there have been no takers. It appeared certain he would have moved on by now, but went on tour with United and right now it is looking like a possibility he could even be stuck at the club even when he is not wanted.

image: © Ben Sutherland