Clubs have a lot to keep their eyes on in the transfer market, but there will have been plenty of focus on retained lists published last month. There are various players currently out-of-contract and available to sign for free, many of whom boast impressive pedigree.
Free agent signings can prove incredibly useful, often adding talent and experience without requiring significant expenditure from the club recruiting them. There also tends to be less risk involved than when clubs fork out hefty transfer fees for new additions.
Here are the 29 senior defenders released by clubs set to compete in the Championship next season who have not yet found a new employer.
. Mario Gaspar
Last club: Watford Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
. Maxime Colin
Last club: Birmingham City Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
. Joel Latibeaudiere
Last club: Swansea City Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
. Wes Harding
Last club: Rotherham United Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
. Sam Byram
Last club: Norwich City Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images
. Fankaty Dabo
Last club: Coventry City Photo: Chloe Knott/Getty Images
. Ryan Bertrand
Last club: Leicester City Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
. Scott Malone
Last club: Millwall Photo: Ashley Allen/Getty Images
. Daniel Ayala
Last club: Blackburn Rovers Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images
. Michael Rose
Last club: Coventry City Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
. Morgan Fox
Last club: Stoke City Photo: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
. Kean Bryan
Last club: West Bromwich Albion Photo: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
1. Mario Gaspar
Last club: Watford Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
2. Maxime Colin
Last club: Birmingham City Photo: Matt McNulty/Getty Images
3. Joel Latibeaudiere
Last club: Swansea City Photo: Justin Casterline/Getty Images
4. Wes Harding
Last club: Rotherham United Photo: George Wood/Getty Images