Top ten high-profile players who could leave the Premier League this summer – for a variety of reasons.
10. Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
The Manchester City striker has not lived up the hype that surrounded his signing from Wolsburg in 2011. Despite the occasional short-lived purple patch in front of goal, the Bosnian does not look suited to English football and is a target for Serie A clubs Napoli and Juventus, as well as a possible return to the Bundesliga.
9. Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham)
Emmanuel Adebayor has had a poor season with Spurs since joining the club on a permanent deal following his loan spell. The Togolese striker only has three goals in the Premier League this year, and may make a return to former club AS Monaco.
8. Nani (Manchester United)
Although Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the inconsistent Portuguese winger, the club could do with replacing Nani, who is a target for Juventus and Real Madrid.
7. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)
Despite only joining the club last summer, Podolski has found himself in and out of the Arsenal team of late and is said to be frustrated at not getting more of a chance. Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray are eyeing up the German forward, who has occasionally struggled with the pace of the game in England.
6. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
The saga goes on with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who at 34 is no longer valued by Roman Abramovich. Jose Mourinho’s possible return to Stamford Bridge could persuade the midfield star to stay, but he is considering offers from LA Galaxy and Monaco, which would bring to an end a glittering career in the Premier League.
5. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
The Spurs star’s performances this season have been phenomenal, earning him a double of Player of the Year awards and strong interest from Real Madrid, who might make him one of the most expensive players ever with a £65million bid.
4. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Luis Suarez has lit up the Premier League with his performances for Liverpool this season, but can’t stay out of the headlines with his bad behaviour. A combination of interest from big clubs like Juventus and Bayern Munich and a desire to escape the English media could see the troubled talent move abroad.
3. Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
The talented Belgian has single-handedly helped Aston Villa survive relegation this season, and has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid. Due to his current club’s poor form, one could understand his desire to leave for better things elsewhere.
2. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)
The £50million flop has had some decent performances in the Europa League this season, but remains a shadow of his former self at Chelsea. It is understood that the Spaniard would welcome the chance to return to his old club Atletico Madrid, who see him as a possible replacement for Radamel Falcao.
1. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
PSG and Barcelona are keen on bringing in the unsettled England striker, who has had a difficult time at Manchester United this year. Often used in unfamiliar positions to make way for others, Rooney may feel he could do with a new challenge abroad to get back to his best.