5 players that should consider MLS in 2016.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint Germain
A star with some of the biggest clubs in world football, the 34 year old has long been considered a target for MLS. A move the player himself seems eager to make, reports in Sweden last year claimed he had already begun the process of applying for an American visa.

Then a few months later Zlatan told Yahoo Sport. “I think it would be an amazing experience [to play in America]. I see that soccer is growing a lot in US I mean, I was here 10 years ago [and] soccer was not on the level that it is today, but it’s growing. It’s growing in the right direction and I want it to be on the level of Europe. It will come here.”

Still able to perform at the top level he would likely command a salary upwards of $10million a year. Realistically that means only a select few MLS clubs can afford the Swede, with New York City FC arguably the best placed to sign him. Of course any deal for Zlatan would require NYCFC to dispense with one of their current Designated Players: David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard.

Radamel Falcao, Chelsea (on loan from Monaco)
The Colombian’s move to Chelsea was always likely to be a risk. He didn’t look well suited to English football during his time at Manchester United, and his stint at Stamford Bridge has done little to change that opinion. With Chelsea seemingly eager to cancel his loan deal at the club, it is likely they will have to find a new team for him before they can do so.

A return to Spain could be on the cards, but any move will require Falcao to drop his sizeable wage demands. Already linked with Club America of Mexico and the Columbus Crew SC, a deal to join the latter may not be the worst idea. Gregg Berhalter has built a team founded on talented wingers that like to cross, which could be ideal for a player lacking in mobility but still possessing intelligent movement like Falcao.

If the former Porto man is still unsure, perhaps a chat with compatriot Juan Pablo Angel could convince him. The striker spent a fruitful five years in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls, LA Galaxy and Chivas USA before finishing his career at home with Nacional in 2013.

Junior Hoilett, Queens Park Rangers.
After emerging from Blackburn Rover’s academy the future looked bright for Junior Hoilett. Quick, skilful and a constant danger with the ball at his feet, he seemed destined for greater things. Sadly his career has not transpired that way, with his move to QPR providing few highlights.

This season has seen him improve slightly – netting 3 goals in 12 games – but the days of him reaching almost double figures in the Premier League seem a long time ago. At international level he has spent much of his career spurning interest from Canada before eventually committing to them in September of last year.

Out-of-contract in the summer, a move somewhere in England’s second or third tier may seem the obvious choice. However returning to Canada, ideally with the Vancouver Whitecaps, could be the incubator his faltering career needs. Carl Robinson works well with young players and he could provide the right type of learning environment for Hoilett, along with the promise of regular match time.

While he may be more eager to move closer to home with Toronto FC, the chance to work with Robinson may be better suited to his needs. The Welshman has helped Kekuta Manneh develop his precocious talent in MLS and there is nothing to say he couldn’t do the same for Hoilett, if the winger is willing to work hard.

Alexandre Pato, Corinthians
Once of Milan, Alexandre Pato has spent the last few months trying to engineer a route out of Brazilian football. Linked with a move to the English Premier League, there had been talk that Sunderland were interested in securing his services. However no deal materialised and consequently current club Corinthians were forced to register him for the upcoming season.

That news should catch the eye of those in MLS, with the Brazilian a potentially shrewd Designated Player signing. Blessed with pace and good ball control, the forward possesses a lot of the qualities needed to thrive in a league like MLS. If the player himself is unsure of the move at this stage in his career he would be wise to reach out to former Milan teammate Kaka for a quick chat about life in America.

The 33 year old has found a new lease of life with Orlando City, and if the Florida based club aren’t interested in signing Pato he may find success further north with the New York Red Bulls. Coach Jesse Marsch will likely be evaluating his wide options this month, and the Brazilian has consistently played out wide during his career. Granted the chance to move to New York, (which is never a bad thing) the regimented way in which Marsch runs his team could also be of benefit to the 26 year old.

Miroslav Klose, Lazio
A veteran forward that has consistently found the net at club level, Klose is currently playing for Italian side Lazio after spells at Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. Retired from international football, he remains the all-time record goalscorer in World Cup history after surpassing Brazil’s Ronaldo. Still able to find the net at 37 years old, he could very easily enjoy a brief but fruitful spell in MLS like Italian forward Marco Di Vaio did.

Already linked with a move to Major League Soccer in November last year, the report credited the New York Red Bulls and the LA Galaxy with an interest in the German forward.

However the chance to play in Chicago with the Fire might appeal more to Klose. The city has a strong Polish community which would in theory make it easier for him and his family to settle. From a financial perspective Klose won’t be able to command huge money, but it could still prove a profitable endeavour for his career if not his bank account.

Follow Kristan Heneage on Twitter: @Kheneage