25. Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg)
One of the best young defenders in Europe at the moment, Ricardo Rodriguez’s fine form for Wolfsburg could be set to earn him a big move this summer. The 21-year-old was one of the stars of the Bundesliga this season, contributing a highly impressive five goals and nine assists from left-back to establish himself as a truly top class player. While there has been interest from German champions Bayern Munich, Rodriguez could also be wanted in England as the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United all chase new signings in that part of the pitch.
24. Layvin Kurzawa (Monaco)
With all the big-money signings at Monaco, one of their stars of last season actually ended up being young left-back Layvin Kurzawa. The 21-year-old Frenchman looks a terrific prospect, and with five goals and three assists from defence, he has shown some potential to play as a winger in the future. Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly looked at him, and it would be no surprise to see this top talent make his way to England at some point, although mega-rich Monaco have no real need to sell.
23. Mehdi Benatia (Roma)
Only signed by Roma last summer, Moroccan centre-back Mehdi Benatia could already be heading for the exit door at the Stadio Olimpico after a superb first season at the club. The former Udinese man helped establish Rudi Garcia’s side as genuine title challengers and one of the most solid defensive teams in Serie A, and his fine form has not gone unnoticed by Europe’s elite. Barcelona are believed to be big admirers of his, but the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool could be ready to enter the running to bring him to the Premier League. Both clubs are in need of defensive strengthening this summer, and Benatia could be one of the best options on the market. However, Roma are unsurprisingly keen to keep the player, and recent reports suggest he could command a fee of as much as £50m.
22. Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)
After a disappointing first spell in England with Arsenal, Carlos Vela has now developed into a top player in La Liga with Real Sociedad. The Mexican, who can play upfront or out wide to good effect, is now reportedly being lined up for a return to the Emirates Stadium due to the Gunners’ option of a buy-back clause in his current contract. Liverpool have also been linked with the 25-year-old, who scored 21 goals and provided 13 assists for Sociedad in all competitions this season.
21. Adam Lallana (Southampton)
One of the players on everyone’s lips at the moment, Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana looks a certainty to leave the club this summer after a truly outstanding campaign. The 26-year-old has been with the Saints for his whole career so far, but looks like being the latest of the club’s successful academy graduates to make the move elsewhere. Liverpool are seemingly the favourites to sign him and could offer as much as £30m for the versatile attacker, who scored 10 goals and contributed six assists this season. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s move from Southampton to take over at Tottenham has inevitably seen the wide-man linked with a switch to Spurs as well, in what could be an intriguing transfer battle this summer.