Though central defenders are now generally quicker and more mobile than they once were, it's still valuable to sign an experienced centre-half or two to boost your team's stability at the back, and FM 13's frees list includes a number of stand-out talents who would be ideal boosts to squads looking for experience and defensive expertise. Probably not at the very top of the league, but why would you be looking here if you planned on taking control of City, United or Chelsea?
3. John Mensah
Age: 29 Nation: Ghana A second former Sunderland player to make the list, who he joined on loan for two seasons from Lyon, Ghanaian international Mensah will likely only be available for a short period at the start of the game, and could quite happily slot into some Premier league squads thanks to his experience and ability. Definitely worth a punt.
4. Malkhaz Asatiani
Age: 30 Nation: Georgia A free agent since December 2010, having previously been with Lokomotiv Moscow, and on loan at Dynamo Kiev, former attacking midfielder Asatiani is a tough tackling centre-half, who was often played as a playmaker by his country, and whose versatility makes him a better pick than some of the other free agents on the list. He's also only 30, and could potentially play on for a few years.
Other free centre-halves: Gustavo Bastos (30), Jurica Buljat (25), Igor Biscan (34)