Several players in the cinch Premiership’s contracts are expiring in the summer.
Clubs up and down the country are facing the prospect of their stars being sold for cut-back prices or even leaving for nothing.
As they near the end of their deals, footballers are also free to speak to other clubs with six months or less left at their current employers.
Here, Herald & Times Sport look at one player from each Premiership team who clubs should look to keep.
Aberdeen – Matty Kennedy
The Northern Irish winger’s early days at the Dons were hampered by injuries but he’s now flourishing at Pittodrie, making 22 appearances this season.
On a new contract, Kennedy said: "There have been no talks so far. I love the club and I love being here. I feel there is a bit of unfinished business because of last season.”
Celtic – Moritz Jenz
Impressive at times this season, Jenz could extend his stay at Celtic Park beyond the summer.
Whilst technically a loan signing until the end of the season, the German defender could join the Scottish champions permanently from FC Lorient with Celtic holding an option to buy.
The Hoops do not have many players out of contact at the end of the campaign, with the majority tied down on a long-term basis.
Dundee United – Ryan Edwards
The Tannadice skipper is free to pursue a future away from Tayside this month.
Making 20 appearances so far in what has been a difficult campaign for United, the Englishman has been a stalwart for his side over the past three seasons.
Hearts – Robert Snodgrass
A new deal looks to be on the table for the midfielder but nothing has been confirmed so far, despite the 35-year-old holding positive talks with the Tynecastle club.
The ex-Scotland international has garnered plenty of experience during his career and has become a fan favourite as the Jambos look to secure a second consecutive third-place finish.
Hibs – Aiden McGeady
The veteran winger suffered a long absence at the start of the season not long after signing up at Easter Road.
It could have meant the end for his career in the capital, but a fine display against Motherwell last Sunday, where he rolled back the years with that typical trickery he became famous for, suggests he still has plenty to offer.
Kilmarnock – Joe Wright
Whilst Kyle Lafferty may also be out of contract in the summer, Derek McInnes should definitely ensure he prolongs Joe Wright’s stay at Rugby Park.
The big centre-back has been a mainstay for newly-promoted Killie this season, helping the club return to Hampden for the first time since 2012.
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Livingston – Nicky Devlin
The club captain is still awaiting talks with the West Lothian outfit.
The right-back arrived at Almondvale nearly four years ago and has been a consistent performer for Davie Martindale’s side, helping them to a top-six finish in 2021.
Motherwell – Dean Cornelius
The boyhood ‘Well fan is another Fir Park youth graduate who has transitioned seamlessly into the senior squad but could become a free agent in the summer.
Starting against both sides of the Old Firm this season, he has plenty of big game experience already at just 21.
Rangers – Ryan Kent
Rangers have several big names whose contracts expire in the summer such as Ryan Jack, Scott Arfield and talisman Alfredo Morelos.
But it’s the former Liverpool winger who Michael Beale should look to keep on first and foremost.
With his ability well-known and having cost the club £7m three years ago, the Ibrox side cannot afford to lose such an asset for nothing.
Ross County – Alex Iacovitti
Not only are Malky Mackay’s Ross County fighting a relegation battle this term, but they also face the prospect of losing one of their key defenders.
Signed in 2020, Nottingham-born Iacovitti became an instant favourite for Staggies fans when he scored in Ross County’s shock victory over Celtic at Parkhead, knocking the Hoops out of the League Cup
St Johnstone – Stevie May
The club icon has been in good form this season, scoring four and setting up five goals in the topflight.
With his time at the club he has won two Scottish Cups and one League Cup triumph, the 30-year-old striker looks a no-brainer for boss Callum Davidson to keep on for at least another year.
St Mirren – Marcus Fraser
Despite his red card against Hearts, the ex-Ross County full-back has been an ever-present for the Buddies throughout the campaign.
Saints fans are still waiting on Fraser penning a new deal for Stephen Robinson’s side.
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