A look at ten big names from abroad who could be making their way to England this summer.
10. Gonzalo Higuain
Real Madrid have confirmed that Argentinian hot shot Gonzalo Higuain does not feature in their plans and will be sold this summer. Popular in England, Manchester City, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been linked with him already, and the Premier League seems a realistic destination for the 25-year-old.
9. Marco Reus
The talented German has only been at Borussia Dortmund for one season, but with a number of players set to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer, Reus will surely be on the radar of many top clubs. Manchester City are supposedly making him a prime target as they look to regain the Premier League title next season, and the 23-year-old certainly has the quality to improve their fortunes.
8. Andre Schurrle
Chelsea are currently leading the race for the talented Bayer Leverkusen attacker. The Blues are in need of extra quality in attack if they hope to sustain a serious title challenge next year, and Schurrle’s ability to get goals from out wide or upfront would give them something a little different from £50million flop Fernando Torres.
7. David Villa
The 32-year-old Spain striker is unwanted by Barcelona and could be set for a move to England. Despite his age and recent fitness worries, the instinct for goals is still there and he would be a useful signing for Liverpool and Arsenal, both of whom have been linked with the former Valencia man in recent months.
6. Isco
Manchester City and Chelsea will compete with big-spending PSG in a bid to lure the supremely talented attacking midfielder Isco to the Premier League. Malaga’s financial troubles mean they have had to sell key players over the last year, with Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal both joining Arsenal. Isco would surely light up the English top flight with his skills and goal-getting ability.
5. Claudio Marchisio
Manchester United are being linked with the Italian, who they see as a long-term replacement for Paul Scholes. With the veteran United man likely to retire at the end of the season, Marchisio would be an excellent choice to replace his goals and assists from the middle of the park. Sir Alex Ferguson has also been sniffing around his Juve team-mates Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic.
4. Robert Lewandowski
Although the Polish striker is said to favour a move to Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United still hold out some hope of luring him to England. The 24-year-old is the top scorer in the Bundesliga this season and would be an excellent addition to either side, whether he’s partnering Robin van Persie at Old Trafford or replacing Fernando Torres at Stamford Bridge.
3. Edinson Cavani
The Napoli striker has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in world football over the last couple of years, and is surely set to leave the Serie A outfit at the end of this season. Wanted by Chelsea and Manchester City, it is understood that City’s option of Edin Dzeko moving the other way could tempt Napoli into letting the Uruguayan move to the Etihad. If he joins, he has the talent to have a big say in next season’s title race.
2. Radamel Falcao
Falcao has been subject to much transfer speculation since he started the season in such blistering form. His four goals against Chelsea in the European Super Cup alerted them to his talents, and they will go head to head with Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature. Real Madrid are also keen on him, but he wouldn’t be short of suitors in England.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
In what would perhaps be the story of the summer, Real Madrid super star Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational return to his old club Manchester United. After lighting up the Bernebeu since his record-breaking £80million move a few years ago, the Portuguese winger has grown unsettled with life in Spain, and remains loyal to United. He would command a heavy transfer fee of around £65million, as well as a couple of players in return, but it would be an excellent signing of the Red Devils can pull it off. Sir Alex Ferguson has a habit of getting his way, so expect more from this story soon.