Five players available now who the Toffees could sign for nothing

THE end of June marked the conclusion of most player contracts, with anyone whose deal was left to expire available as a free agent from July 1.

- By JOE THOMAS

Everton are expected to utilise the free and loan markets as David Moyes looks to fill gaps across his squad.

On Sunday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin confirmed he would depart the club, meaning the Blues will formally cut ties with around a dozen senior players - including Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young and Joao Virginia.

Idrissa Gueye has been in talks over an extension while Michael Keane's future is up in the air.

With Everton needing cover and competition in almost every area, here are a few players the club could sign without a transfer fee.

KENNY TETE

The most obvious player in this category is Kenny Tete. The right-back has been offered new terms by Fulham but has not signed them.

Everton have stepped into that situation by holding talks with the player.

The 29-year-old has suffered injury issues in recent years but is known as an excellent one on one defender who also likes to carry the ball forward, potentially giving Everton a new dimension in attack.

Whether Tete will choose to remain at Craven Cottage or move to Merseyside is yet to be confirmed but the Blues hope to make the free agent the answer to the club's long-standing problems on the right of the defence.

KYLE WALKER-PETERS