We take a look at the top 50 players likely to change employers this summer.
50. Florent Malouda (Chelsea)
The Chelsea winger was once heralded as one of the finest midfielders in the game but has suffered a demise that means he now no longer even trains with the Chelsea first team. An exit has been mooted for some time but the player’s high wage demands have prevented a deal from going through. Things are unlikely to get easier for the Frenchman following the arrival of the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar this season and that might be enough to persuade Malouda to finally call it a day on his Blues career. A move to France or Brazil seems most likely.
49. Simon Mignolet (Sunderland)
The Belgian stopper has attracted the interest of a number of clubs after some assured performances in recent seasons. While Mignolet has previously said he is happy to stay at the Stadium of Light, the player recently lost the Belgian number one gloves to Thibault Courtois. Mignolet is keen to regain the position and may be tempted by the offer of a move to a club playing in European competition in order to boost his profile back in his home country. Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in bringing the player to the Emirates to provide competition for Wojciech Szczesny.
48. Andriy Arshavin (Arsenal)
The Russian midfielder arrived at the club with a glowing reputation after leading his national side to the Euro 2008 semi-finals. An initially promising start to his Emirates career has faded and Arshavin now finds himself well behind the pecking order for a place in the Arsenal midfield. Manager Arsene Wenger no longer seems to trust the player after a number of seasons where his performances have been inconsistent. Arshavin remains capable of displaying flashes of brilliance though and a move to Russia could well materialise. Reading have also been linked with the player but a move relies on them retaining their Premier League status.
47. Bernard (Atletico Mineiro)
This Brazilian youngster still remains relatively unknown on European shores but that is unlikely to continue for long. Bernard has set the Brazilian Championship alight this year with some impressive displays that are attracting attention from around the world. Bernard typically prefers to play as a wide forward where he is best able to utilise his pace but he is much more than just a speed merchant. His intelligent runs means he often pops up in the right place to ensure the ball hits the back of the net. Impressive performances in the Copa Libertadores make a summer move likely.
46. Stewart Downing (Liverpool)
Downing has been touted throughout his career as having the potential to be one of the best in the game but has never quite managed to perform at the highest level. On his day, the player can pull the strings in the midfield, and has a cross that can terrorise goalkeepers and centre backs alike, but those performances have happened far too infrequently for the satisfaction of Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers. A spell at left-back and a stern talking to from the manager has briefly piqued the quality of Downing’s performances but with Rodgers keen to overhaul his squad, a summer exit looks likely. Moves to former clubs Aston Villa or Middlesbrough may appeal but there is unlikely to be a shortage of suitors in the bottom half of the Premier League willing to take him on.
45. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
The days of Fernando Torres terrorising Premier League defences are long over and the player is a shadow of his former self at current club Chelsea. Whether you put it down to the pressure of a £50 million price tag or the impact of a bad hamstring injury suffered near the end of his Liverpool career, Torres no longer instils fear into the heart of Premier League centre-backs. A string of successive managers have been brought in by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to try and get the player performing again, culminating in current boss, and Torres’ former mentor, Rafa Benitez, but it seems nothing can get the striker scoring. A move back to Spain may need to happen sooner rather than later if the player is to have any chance of re-discovering his former self.
44. Andy Carroll (Liverpool)
The Geordie target-man looked like the future of English football when he was banging in the goals for Newcastle and that persuaded Liverpool to shell out a record £35 million for Carroll. A barren start to his Liverpool career saw his confidence knocked and the player began to look like a one season wonder. Despite improving briefly near the end of last season, and during the Euro 2012 Championships for England, a loan move to West Ham has failed to help Carroll rediscover his shooting boots. The player is almost certain to be made available for transfer by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers but the high transfer fee he would command, as well as his wage demands, make him unaffordable to all but the wealthiest clubs. Another loan move is more likely.
43. Gary Hooper (Celtic)
Norwich were strongly linked with Hooper throughout the January transfer window with reports suggesting they made four bids on transfer deadline day. The last of those bids was rumoured to be in the region of £9 million but Hooper is unlikely to command such a figure come the summer when the pressures of finding a replacement are eased. Hooper has been banging them in for Celtic, and Norwich are likely to find themselves competing for the player’s signature with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham. The Canaries may find themselves in with a chance still as the top clubs are not keen on paying such a high transfer fee for a player who is unproven at Premier League level.
42. Michael Vorm (Swansea City)
The Dutch stopper has been in fine form for Swansea and has provided the consistency between the sticks that has allowed them to play their fluid brand of attacking football. Vorm’s performances have not gone unnoticed and a host of top European sides have been linked with the goalie this season. Michael Laudrup will be keen to hang on to him, at least while the Danish manager himself remains at the Liberty Stadium but the overtures of Manchester United may prove impossible to resist. Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of the player and with question marks lingering over the ability of David De Gea, the Scotsman may be persuaded to bring Vorm to Old Trafford.
41. Marko Marin (Chelsea)
The diminutive winger arrived at Stamford Bridge with a reputation as one of the best young prospects in Europe following a string of impressive performances for his former side Werder Bremen in the Champions League. The player was nicknamed ‘the German Messi’ during his time in the Bundesliga but he has been unable to replicate that form at Chelsea after finding himself behind the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses in the pecking order. The Chelsea hierarchy would prefer for him to go out on loan, most likely to Borussia Monchengladbach or back to Bremen, but a decent bid may be enough to tempt the London club to sell.
40. James McCarthy (Wigan)
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Wigan’s McCarthy and they may finally land their man this summer. Regardless of whether Roberto Martinez’s men stay up, McCarthy is destined for greater things and will not be plying his trade in the lower half of the Premier League for much longer. Liverpool and Everton are also reported to be interested in the player and a fee in the region of £8 million is rumoured to be enough to persuade Wigan to part with the player’s services.
39. Ricky Van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon)
The Dutch striker has been followed by a host of Premier League clubs for some time and he looks set to finally make a move to Premier League this summer. Norwich are known to have been keen to bring the player in during the January transfer window but were reportedly put off by Sporting Lisbon’s £12 million asking price. Sporting are unlikely to be able to demand the same fee come the summer with the Portuguese side suffering well-documented financial problems. That is likely to see Newcastle and Tottenham enter the race with both clubs keen on brining the player in for a fee closer to the £8 million mark.
38. Victor Wanyama (Celtic)
The Celtic midfielder has put in a number of impressive performances for the Scottish side this year, and that is attracting the attention of a number of top European sides. The pugnacious midfielder was strongly linked with Manchester United in the January transfer window and the Old Trafford club are likely to re-enter the race for his signature come the summer as they look to add some steel to their defence. Wanyama has proven himself capable of mixing it with the best after some solid performances in the Champions League and a fee above the £10 million mark would likely be enough to persuade Celtic to sell.
37. Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle)
On his day, Ben Arfa is arguably the best player in the St. James’ Park dressing room and has attracted the interest of the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris St. Germain. While last summer Newcastle were desperate to hold onto the player, they may be more willing to do business at the end of the current season. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew was unhappy with the player’s fitness when he returned from a spell on the sidelines and questions are beginning to be asked about the player’s professionalism and attitude. That will not deter the top clubs who will be keen to see if Ben Arfa can replicate his dazzling performances at the highest level.
36. Tom Ince (Blackpool)
Ince was strongly linked with Liverpool during the January transfer window to the extent that it was more of a surprise that he hadn’t signed come February 1st. It has been reported that the two clubs were haggling over a sell on clause the player had inserted into his contract when Ince signed for Blackpool from Liverpool a couple of seasons ago. Since then, Ince’s father, Paul, has joined the club as manager and that may play a big role on where the midfielder plays his football next year. Ince’s performances for Blackpool and England under 21’s have shown he is destined for the Premier League but the player is wisely keen on ensuring he plays first team football.
35. Benat (Real Betis)
A midfielder in the mould of Frank Lampard, Benat has been setting La Liga alight this year with his accurate passing and thundering shots from distance. Benat has played a key role in seeing his side rise up into the European competition qualifying places and that has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s top scouts. Chelsea are rumoured to be ready to make a move and see him as an ideal replacement for Lampard. If reports are to be believed, Roman Abramovich has already sanctioned an £8 million summer bid for the player.
34. Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)
It appears Stoke are already preparing for life after Begovic following their signing of young goalkeeper Jack Butland. The ex-Birmingham goalie has been immediately loaned back to his former club in order to gain more experience and reports are suggesting he is being primed to take over from Begovic. Butland rejecting the overtures of Chelsea on the grounds that he wanted first team football so it would come as a surprise if he arrived at Stoke to sit on the bench. Manchester United are known admirers of Begovic and could bring him in to provide competition for De Gea. Arsenal will be ready to step in should that fall through as they are similarly keen to see Wojciech Szczesny challenged for the number one spot.
33. Adrian Lopez (Atletico Madrid)
The Spanish striker has excelled in European competition for the La Liga side and was close to a move to Arsenal during the January transfer window. That move never materialised but with questions remaining over the current Arsenal strikeforce, it would be a surprise if they did not make a renewed approach for the player’s signature. Atletico may be keener to sell this time as they have identified a number of striking targets they would like to bring in and could use the cash that would be raised from the sale of Adrian.
32. Robinho (AC Milan)
The Brazilian striker has never quite lived up to the hype that was showered on him during his early days at Santos. While Robinho hasn’t exactly failed, he has now successively failed to live up to expectations at Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, and the player has made no secret of his desire to return to Brazil. AC Milan are currently suffering financial problems that may well see them sell Robinho at a cut price, following in the footsteps of his international compatriot Alexandre Pato. Santos are ready to bring him back to the club, raising the mouth-watering prospect of a partnership, albeit most likely brief, with young sensation Neymar.
31. Nani (Man United)
Despite starting the recent Champions League game against Real Madrid, Nani has found himself marginalised at Old Trafford this season with Alex Ferguson having seemingly run out of patience with the winger. On his day, Nani can dazzle and tear defences apart but it seems those days come too infrequently for the liking of the veteran Scotsman. There has been reported interest from Russia where Nani may be tempted by the prospect of a high wages, but top European clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool and the Milan sides are also rumoured to be ready to offer Nani an Old Trafford exit route.
30. Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)
If reports are to be believed, Tottenham matched Sevilla’s valuation of Negredo on the last day of the January transfer window but saw their bid rejected as Sevilla felt they had insufficient time to find a replacement. That left Spurs finishing the transfer window with the same striking options they started with, and the increasingly poor form of Manu Adebayor means the London club will almost certainly return to the transfer market once again come the end of the season. Spurs may face competition for the player’s signature however, with Liverpool reportedly also interested in bringing the player to the Premier League.
29. Kaka (Real Madrid)
Once compared with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo as amongst the best in the world, Kaka has stagnated at Real Madrid following his move from AC Milan. The Serie A side tried to bring him back to the club on loan during the January transfer window but the club’s ongoing financial problems proved to be too much of a stumbling block. Kaka’s brother recently suggested the Brazilian may make a mega-bucks move to the MLS but it would seem premature for a player of Kaka’s undoubted quality to effectively retire to the North American leagues. The player is unlikely to be able to demand the same wages he is currently receiving at Madrid should he move to another European club so much depends on the player’s desire to remain playing at the highest level.
28. Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Polish striker has played a key role in a resurgent Borussia Dortmund side that has taken the Champions League by storm this season. That has attracted the interest of the likes of Manchester United and Dortmund’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, and the Bavarian club are already drawing up a shortlist of his possible replacements. The striker has less than 18 months remaining on his contract and Dortmund are keen to cash in on the player rather than see him leave for nothing a season later.
27. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
The Croatian midfielder was recently voted worst signing of the season by readers of Spanish newspaper Marca as he has struggled to dislodge the likes of Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil in the Real Madrid starting line-up. The player still has a number of admirers in the Premier League, and with Manchester United and Chelsea having often lacked a creative spark in the middle of midfield this season, Modric could well find himself returning to English football. Tottenham would also be happy to take the player back should the price be right but much depends on whether Mourinho remains in charge at the Bernabeu next season.
26. Joao Moutinho (Porto)
Tottenham were reportedly close to completing a deal for the player last summer, only for the two clubs to fail to agree terms at the final hurdle. Spurs’ Portuguese boss Andre Villas-Boas remains a firm admirer of the player and may seek to bring him to White Hart Lane once more during the summer break. Porto now own the player outright, whereas previously part of his contract was owned by a third party, so that may help in making negotiations smoother. The arrival of Lewis Holtby however could mean Tottenham decide to look elsewhere but the likes of Manchester United and Inter Milan are ready to move in should a deal fail to be resurrected.
25. Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen)
Chelsea are reported to be keen on signing the German striker and reportedly had two bids turned down during the January transfer window. They are likely to return again during the summer with Spanish striker Fernando Torres continuing to misfire. A clause in Schurrle’s contract becomes active this June that would force Leverkusen to accept any bid over £25 million so a move seems likely. Chelsea may seek to pay less than that however by offering German winger Marko Marin in part exchange.
24. Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo)
Since Michael Laudrup made the inspired decision to bring Michu to the Liberty Stadium, Premier League clubs have been scouring La Liga looking in search of another bargain. One might just be available in the form of Iago Aspas. The Celto Vigo striker has been in great form for his side this season, hitting the back of the net, as well as providing assists for his team mates, with regularity. A summer exit seems certain with Chelsea, Tottenham and Reading all having been linked with the player. It has been reported that the player’s contract carries a £7 million release fee meaning Iago could provide near-Michu levels of value if he can replicate his form in the Premier League.
23. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United)
It is no coincidence that Newcastle’s drop in form coincided with a spell on the sidelines for their French star Yohan Cabaye. The midfielder is the heartbeat in the middle of the Newcastle midfield and the Magpies have seen their form vastly improve following Cabaye’s return. The player performs the same function for the French national side and it is only a matter of time before Cabaye is playing Champions League football. Chelsea are rumoured to be ready to make a bid but they are unlikely to be the only club interested in securing the player’s services.
22. David Villa (Barcelona)
The Spanish striker has found his role at the Nou Camp diminished following a bad injury and was closely followed by the likes of Arsenal and Swansea during the January transfer window. Barcelona insisted they wanted to retain the player but that is unlikely to deter a host of Premier League clubs from entering a bidding war for the player’s signature come the summer. Chelsea and Spurs are also likely to be involved, something that makes qualifying for the Champions League all the more important if those clubs are hoping to persuade the Spaniard to sign.
21. Leighton Baines (Everton)
Baines has been in fine form this season and played a key role in Everton’s lofty position earlier in the season. While the team’s performance has diminished as fatigue has set in, Baines continues to play at the highest standard. It is only a matter of time before Baines is playing in the Champions League, with or without Everton, as he is now talked about in the same breath as Ashley Cole. Manchester United are known to be interested with Sir Alex Ferguson considering Baines to be the long-term successor to Patrice Evra. David Moyes remaining at the club could persuade Baines to stay for one more season but were the Scotsman to leave, that would likely only hasten Baines’ departure from Goodison Park.
20. Arturo Vidal (Juventus)
While Andrea Pirlo may grab all the headlines, his midfield partner has been as, if not more, important to Juventus’ fortunes in recent times. A powerful box-to-box midfielder, Vidal has impressed in the Champions League with some long range screamers and accomplished finishes that a veteran striker would be proud of. Those qualities hide the player’s ability to carry out the boring defensive work that every top team requires but his performances have not gone unnoticed amongst Europe’s elite. Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly ready to make a bid for the player in the summer but Juventus will be desperate to hold onto him as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the Champions League.
19. Michu (Swansea City)
The Spanish striker exploded onto the scene for Swansea and has become one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League. Currently challenging for the golden boot with the likes of Luis Suarez and Robin Van Persie, Michu is able to score from all areas of the pitch, with all parts of his body. That may tempt some of the bigger Premier League teams into testing Swansea’s resolve to keep him. It is rumoured that Michael Laudrup will remain at the Liberty Stadium for one more season at most so should that be the case, he may be able to persuade Michu to also stay on for one more year. If Laudrup were to leave however, Michu may well find himself tempted by the prospect of testing himself in Europe’s top competitions.
18. Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Hummels has been the rock at the back that has allowed those in front of him in the Borussia Dortmund team to play their flowing, attacking football. The German defender has developed into one of the finest stoppers in Europe and is as capable of passing the ball out of defence as he is sending the ball long into touch. That has attracted the interest of Barcelona, who see Hummels as the perfect long-term successor to Carlos Puyol. Dortmund are keen to hold on to the defender though as they look to build a team that is capable of winning the Bundesliga following Bayern’s runaway performance this year. United are also ready to make a move as Ferdinand and Vidic enter the twilight of their careers.
17. Marouane Fellaini (Everton)
The beanpole midfielder has marshalled the Everton midfield for a number of seasons and, to the anger of his manager David Moyes, publically declared his desire to play for a top European club sooner rather than later. Fellaini is likely to have his wish granted despite some nefarious tackles this season and a headbutt that saw him miss a significant spell during the Christmas period. The player is going to be able to take his pick of clubs with all of the ‘top 4’ sides in the Premier League in need of his services. Should he decide he fancies a move abroad, the likes of Real Madrid and PSG are rumoured to be ready to take on his services.
16. Iker Muniain (Atletico Bilbao)
Arguably the hottest prospect in European football right now, Muniain has been in dazzling form on the wing for Bilbao. Bilbao have failed to replicate the dizzy heights they achieved last season under the management of Marcelo Bielsa and that may persuade the Basque club to sell should a big money offer come in for Muniain. The Spanish international is being closely monitored by the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus and with Bilbao unlikely to be able to offer Muniain European competition next season, a summer departure is looking increasingly likely.
15. James Rodriguez (Porto)
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Porto’s Colombian midfielder but will have to move fast if they want to secure a deal. While they were once considered favourites, they have been dragging their feet on making an approach and the likes of Tottenham and Juventus are smelling their opportunity to steal him from Sir Alex Ferguson’s grasp. Porto are likely to demand a high transfer fee for the player but with United expecting to sell Nani in the summer they should have funds available to secure a deal for the player.
14. Isco (Malaga)
The cultured attacking midfielder has been in fine form for Malaga this year with his precision passing and a penchant for the spectacular. With Malaga in financial difficulty after their wealthy owners pulled their support, the club is looking to sell some of their better players in order to stay afloat. The player eased into the vacancy left by Santi Cazorla and has proven himself adept during the club’s Champions League games. Dubbed the ‘new Fabregas’ in his homeland, the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are all keeping tabs on the player’s availability.
13. Daniele De Rossi (Roma)
The Roman general has been bossing the AS Roma midfield for a number of seasons but is getting itchy feet as the club struggle to compete in Serie A. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini knows him well following his time in Italy and is in charge of one of the few clubs who could afford the significant outlay required to persuade Roma to part with his services. The player is also capable of filling in at centre-back and performed heroically in the position for Italy during the European Championships in 2012. His ability to play the ball out of defence would suit a top side seeking to play attractive football.
12. Steven Jovetic (Fiorentina)
The player has been plagued by injury in recent seasons but when fully fit is amongst the best hitmen in Europe. The Montenegrin is still only 23 so has plenty of time to develop further. Liverpool were first linked with him a couple of seasons back but the player’s star has since risen to such heights that a move to a club not playing in the Champions League seems unlikely. Juventus are keeping a close eye on the player but the spending power of Chelsea and Manchester City could out muscle the Serie A giants.
11. Leandro Damiao (Internacional)
The Brazilian target-man has been chased by Tottenham for a while and he reportedly came close to signing for the London club during the January transfer window. With Spurs relying on Jermain Defoe and Manu Adebayor for their attacking options, and the latter currently a shadow of his former self, they are likely to bid again for his services come the summer time. Spurs balked at his transfer fee last time so should they decide to look elsewhere, Inter Milan are reportedly ready to step in and bring him to Serie A.
10. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
The England striker almost engineered a move away from the club two seasons ago when faced with the prospect of a mega-bucks move to Manchester City. United managed to persuade him to stay but the arrival of Robin Van Persie has changed the dynamics at Old Trafford. Rooney was dropped for the recent game against Real Madrid in the Champions League and United increasingly look like they no longer need the player. United would still demand a significant fee for the player but not in the range that would have previously excluded all but the wealthiest clubs.
9. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
The Lampard contract saga has rumbled on this season after it was revealed that Chelsea had informed the player’s agent he would not be offered a new contract. That may change, but for now the prospect remains of one of world’s best midfielders becoming available on a free transfer. There has been reported interest from the likes of Manchester United, Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG and LA Galaxy and it is no surprise that the world’s top clubs are interested in a player who continues to hit the back of the net on a regular basis. Chelsea fans are still holding out that he will be offered a new contract. Would the arrival of Mourinho ensure that happened?
8. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
The Colombian striker is rapidly establishing himself as one of the biggest names on the planet after an impressive season with Atletico Madrid that started with a demolition of Chelsea in the European Super Cup. The London club have been linked with the player ever since as Falcao’s predecessor at Madrid, Fernando Torres, continues to misfire. Reports are suggesting that Atletico will not settle for anything less than £50 million so the competitors for his signature are likely to be limited to Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City and Real Madrid. All four are likely to bid for him should he come available as continues to score from all areas of the pitch for the La Liga side.
7. Edinson Cavani (Napoli)
The player has been in prolific form for his Serie A side and seemingly has a knack for popping up at the last minute to score match-winning goals. His work-rate is unrivalled, he can shoot with either foot and is dominating in the air. Napoli are keen to hold on to the player as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the Serie A title but a big-money bid is likely to persuade the club to part ways with the Uruguayan forward. Arsenal have been strongly linked with the player and he could provide some much needed quality up-front for the Gunners should the Emirates management decide to finally loosen the purse strings.
6. Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)
While Di Maria has still been starting regularly for Real Madrid, he has failed to recapture his form from previous seasons, and there were persistent rumours in January that the La Liga side were offering the player’s services to top European clubs. If Nani leaves Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson may be persuaded to bring the Argentine winger to Old Trafford. Should that fail to materialise, PSG are known admirers of the player and are keen to build a squad capable of challenging for the Champions League. The player’s future hinges on who sits in the dugout at the Bernabeu next season.
5. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
The Dutch winger can infuriate and amaze in equal measures but while he was once one of the first names on the team sheet, he has found himself given a lesser role this season as Bayern have bulldozed their way through the Bundesliga and Champions League. Pep Guardiola is taking the reins come the summer and it is not clear if he will see Robben’s dribbling style as compatible with his vision of passing football. An exit for Robben may present the possibility of reunion with former mentor Jose Mourinho should they both arrive at Stamford Bridge. A host of other clubs will be happy to step in should that fail to materialise, purely because of the fact that on his day, Robben is still capable of winning you games at the highest level.
4. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
The future of the Spanish goalkeeper is intrinsically linked to the future of his current boss Jose Mourinho. Marca revealed earlier in the season that both Casillas and Sergio Ramos informed the club’s hierarchy that should the Portuguese boss remain in charge next season, they will hand in transfer requests. At the time, it appeared that Mourinho was destined for the exit door but the possibility of winning the Champions League, and back to back wins over Barcelona has strengthened his position. Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are likely to be at the front of the queue of interested clubs should the player become available.
3. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
The Uruguayan striker has been in great form this year, at times winning games for Liverpool single-handedly. The player is rumoured to be unhappy with his treatment from the English press and if Liverpool fail to qualify for European competition, Suarez may be persuaded that it is time to ply his trade elsewhere. Soon-to-be Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of the player and has the added benefit that his brother acts as Suarez’s agent. Liverpool will be keen to hold onto the player but will struggle to resist a bid over £50 million. Manchester City are also rumoured to be keen.
2. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The Welsh winger has firmly established himself as the best player in his position, if not amongst the best players in the world. Bale has added a plethora of goals to his electric pace and pinpoint crosses from last season making him on the most dangerous players in Premier League football. Barcelona and Real Madrid have made it clear they are monitoring the situation but Tottenham have offered the midfielder wages of £130,000 a week in attempt to persuade him to stay for one more season. Much will depend on Tottenham’s ability to qualify for the Champions League.
1. Neymar (Santos)
The Brazilian sensation’s reputation already precedes him and a host of top European clubs are just waiting for the signal that Santos are ready to sell. There is strong motivation in Brazil to keep the player plying his trade in the domestic leagues until the World Cup in 2014 but should a big offer come in, Santos are unlikely to be able to turn down the cash. Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of the player and is likely to be given the financial resources by the Bayern board to pursue the player. Rumours persist, although subsequently denied, that Barcelona have already agreed a deal for the player but expect one of the biggest bidding wars in recent times should the player become available.