Didier Drogba, Glen Johnson and Ron Vlaar among stars still on the lookout for a new club despite pre-season being underway

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Clubs across the world will be looking to dip into their pockets in order to purchase a new player or two as they bolster their options ahead of the new season.

However they do not necessarily have to fork out big bucks to attract top-class stars as players such as Didier Drogba, Glen Johnson and Ron Vlaar are currently searching for new clubs. 

Drogba, who was released by Chelsea at the end of last season, could prove to be a terrific piece of business given his wealth of experience in the game. 

Here, Sportsmail lists 10 free agents who are still on the lookout for a new club.

DIDIER DROGBA

Where else could I start? The former Chelsea striker, despite being 37, would be a welcome addition to the majority of sides across the world.

He may have slowed down during the last few seasons but he could help out his younger team-mates, while also scoring the odd goal or two. 

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is still searching for a new club following his release

GLEN JOHNSON

The former Liverpool defender has tried to convince clubs to sign him by showing off his fitness on Instagram.

Johnson, who has been capped 54 times by England, still has a lot to offer despite struggling with injuries during the last few seasons. Stoke are among the clubs interested in signing him.

Former England right back Glen Johnson has been linked with a move to Mark Hughes' Stoke City

JOEY BARTON

Not many Queens Park Rangers stars could hold their head up high after their poor showing last season but one man who certainly can is Barton.

The 32-year-old midfielder tried his best to drag his side out of the relegation zone but was let down by a couple of what he labelled 'bad eggs'. Barton has been working with a strength and conditioning coach at St Mary's University to impress suitors. 

Joey Barton will be hoping to convince a Premier League side to sign him following QPR's relegation

Ron Vlaar

Louis van Gaal was said to be interested in bringing the Holland international to Old Trafford last summer but now appears to have turned his attention to a certain Sergio Ramos.

Aston Villa were keen on retaining his services, however Vlaar claimed he can 'go a step higher'.

Ron Vlaar (right, pictured with Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli) turned his back on Aston Villa

Alberto Aquilani 

Remember him, Liverpool fans? Alberto Aquilani, who was employed by the Anfield side for three years, was released by Fiorentina at the end of last season.

The Italy international is desperate to find himself a new club as he wants to impress Azzurri boss Antonio Conte ahead of Euro 2016. 

Italy international Alberto Aquilani (pictured with Tom Cleverley in 2012) was released by Fiorentina 

Sergio Romero 

If a club is on the lookout for an international goalkeeper on a free transfer then Sergio Romero is your man. 

The Argentina custodian will be ramping up his search for a new club following his exploits at the Copa America.

Argentina No 1 Sergio Romero (right, pictured with Ezequiel Lavezzi) impressed at the Copa America

Yoann Gourcuff 

Yoann Gourcuff has been continuously linked with a move to Arsenal, however Arsene Wenger may have doubts over his fellow countryman due to his recent injury record. 

The 28-year-old playmaker only managed to make eight league starts last season.

Former Lyon playmaker Yoann Gourcuff struggled with injuries during the course of the 2014-15 season

John Guidetti

The former Manchester City striker was shipped out on loan to five clubs during his time at the Etihad Stadium but was never given the opportunity to impress at his parent side. 

He showed he could score goals at Celtic, so someone will surely take a chance on him. 

John Guidetti was part of the Sweden side which won this summer's European Under 21 Championship

Abou Diaby

He may have sustained over 40 injuries during his nine-year spell at Arsenal but he did show his quality in small glimpses at the north London outfit.

Abou Diaby would be a risky signing but he could be worth it on a pay-as-you-play deal.

Ex-Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby will be hoping he can put the injuries he sustained behind him

Carlton Cole

The 31-year-old's second spell at West Ham came to an end this summer.

Cole came close to joining West Brom during the January window but was denied the chance to move clubs as Sam Allardyce was unable to sign Emmanuel Adebayor. How times change.

Carlton Cole is looking for a new club after being released by West Ham for the second time in two years