FIVE STARS TO GIVE YOUR TEAM A LIFT

AFTER a hectic week of domestic dealings, the transfer window is now closed – meaning any squad gaps will need to be filled by freebies.

- Chris Dunlavy

Luckily for EFL managers, there has never been a better time to pick up an out-of-contract bargain.

The Covid crisis and attendant fan shut-out has left an unprecedented number of players unemployed, whilst also depressing wages across the board.

Now, stars once out of reach may be available for peanuts. Here are five of the best:

Rudy Gestede Striker, Age: 33

BOMBED out by Middlesbrough when he chose not to sign a short-term contract extension in July, Gestede’s once stellar reputation has been scuttled by several fallow seasons.

Renowned for his aerial prowess, the giant Frenchman plundered 35 goals in just 73 games for Blackburn Rovers.

Since a £6m switch to Aston Villa in 2015, however, he has found the net just 17 times in five years.

Playing in awful sides hasn’t helped; Villa were about to embark on one of the worst Premier League campaigns of all time, whilst a second £6m move – to Middlesbrough in January 2017 – also ended in relegation from the top flight.

Injuries, including a fractured ankle, caused problems. Oddly, Gestede was also shunned by Tony Pulis at Boro.

Gestede is clearly lacking confidence and the suspicion remains that he is only effective in a front two, as demonstrated by his prolific partnership with Jordan Rhodes at Ewood Park.

In theory, though, he retains the raw materials to thrive.

Nathan Dyer Winger, Age: 32