Premier League freebies that could help Blues next season

With the 2015/2016 Sky Bet Championship season almost over, now comes the time where we have to look one step ahead of everyone else in the footballing world and think about the players that could make a difference to our squad next season.

In the first of a three part series, I am going to look at the four players who are set to leave Premier League clubs on a free at the end of the season with their contracts having run out with their current club.

After seeing the Birmingham Mail highlight which players might be of interest to all the top Midlands sides, I thought it would be good to share my thoughts on which players I thought could come into the Blues squad and really make a difference, but not just from the top division.

Oh no, I thought it would be good to have a look at the Premier League, the Championship and League One has to offer in terms of free transfers this summer and the four players that I have chosen from each of the three leagues are players that I think would suit what Gary Rowett is looking for.

So, lets get into the first part of this series and talk about the four players from the Premier League who I think could make a huge difference to our squad next season.

1. ADRIAN MARIAPPA – CRYSTAL PALACE

The 29-year-old central defender is somebody who I think Rowett could be looking at this summer with the Jamaican previously having some experience in the Championship with Reading.

Mariappa was a consistent starter for the Royals during his time with them in the second tier of English football and when he got his move to the Premier League everyone thought he was going to do really well but unfortunately he has fallen out of favour and he is set to leave this summer.

Having only played five times in all competitions this season for the Eagles, I think if we could tie a deal up for Mariappa before preseason starts then he could be a fantastic option for us to have rather than having to fork out money on Ryan Shotton.

2. JOAO CARLOS TEIXEIRA – LIVERPOOL

The little Portuguese midfielder can play anywhere across the front three in the attacking part of the pitch and I think he would be a brilliant addition to our side, especially because of his age as well.

At the age of just 23, Teixeira has hardly played all season for the Red, clocking up just over 90 minutes of first team football, but I think if he came into a side where he knew he had a chance of being played then he would really shine.

When he was on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion in the 2014/2015 season, he made 32 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring six goals, which shows that he is more than capable at this level and I think he would be work the risk.

3. ALEX TETTEY – NORWICH CITY

The Norwegian international has made 23 appearances for the Canaries this season, scoring twice, one of which came in the 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford, and I personally can’t see why Norwich are letting him go.

I think he would be a very good addition to our squad, but I would also question where he would fit into our midfield which has done really well this season.

The 30-year-old holding midfielder is somebody who I have enjoyed watching while he has been with Norwich and dare I say it, if he came in, he could almost be like a Joey Barton figure in our team, a linchpin so to speak.

4. TOM CARROLL – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

The youngster has been shipped all over the place in the last few years by Spurs but he has really made his stamp on the team this season making 29 appearances in all competitions, including games in the Europa League against Borussia Dortmund and Fiorentina.

I think he would be an outstanding addition to our squad but this is one that I can’t see happening because he has the quality to be a Premier League player.

However, if he were to only get offers from the Championship with teams offering him consistent game time then I would hope that Gary would be first in line for his signature.

His ability on the ball is brilliant and I think if we brought him in it would show a real sign of intent as to where we would be aiming to be in the 2016/2017 Championship campaign.

Blues fans, do you think the four players that have been selected could make a big difference to our squad next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below!