The players at the back who could be strutting their stuff in the English top tier next term.
As always this summer is expected to be filled with some of the biggest transfers to the Premier League, with Cesc Fabregas’ move to Chelsea and Manchester United’s capture of Luke Shaw the most prominent so far.
A number of other defenders are expected to join Shaw and make a move to the top sides in England and here are the top 10 from CaughtOffside.
10. Bruno Martins Indi, Feyenoord
With Louis van Gaal taking over as Manchester United manager in 2014/15 it was always likely the current Netherlands boss would be linked with players from his own national squad.
One such figure is Martins Indi, who has been impressing at the 2014 World Cup and the 22-year-old also has the added bonus of being able to play at left-back as well as in central defence.
Source: Mirror.
9. Serge Aurier, Toulouse
Although Liverpool are also said to be interested in this right-back, it looks as if Arsenal are leading the way for a 21-year-old who was voted into the Ligue 1 Team of the Year last term.
Aurier not only performed well defensively, but also managed to score six goals and provide six assists in the French top tier and has also impressed with Ivory Coast at the World Cup.
Source: Metro.
8. Daley Blind, Ajax
Another Dutch international who had been linked with United, although following the signing of Shaw it looks more likely that Tottenham Hotspur will snap up the 24-year-old.
Blind is extremely versatile and can play at left-back, central defence and was named Dutch Player of the Year last campaign for his role in defensive midfield.
Source: Mirror.
7. Alberto Moreno, Sevilla
With neither Jose Enrique or loanee Aly Cissokho impressing at Anfield last season, Liverpool are on the hunt for a new left-back and have identified this young Spaniard as the ideal choice.
However, negotiations with Sevilla have stalled in recent times as the two parties disagree on a fee, but Brendan Rodgers is still keen to land the 21-year-old.
Source: Metro.
6. Marcos Rojo, Sporting Lisbon
Yet with some reports saying the Reds have given up hope of signing Moreno, attention has instead turned to this versatile Argentine and what he could bring to the club.
Many pundits pointed to the Merseyside club’s defensive fragilities as the reason they didn’t win their first English title since 1990 last term and Rojo could help plug those gaps.
Source: ESPN.
5. Filipe Luis, Atletico Madrid
Sticking with the theme of left-backs and it’s another Atleti star that Chelsea have their eye on, which could complete a trio of arrivals from the Vicente Calderon Stadium this summer.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will return to Stamford Bridge after three years on-loan in the Spanish capital, whilst the transfer of striker Diego Costa is said to be as good as done.
Source: Goal.
4. Miranda, Atletico Madrid
Another Atletico man now as after Diego Simeone’s men won La Liga last campaign and also reached their first ever Champions League final, many of their stars have caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest sides.
This Brazilian has interested the Red Devils, who are looking to find replacements for the departing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Source: Sky Sports.
3. Eliaquim Mangala, FC Porto
Like Martins Indi this central defender can also play at left-back and the France international has grabbed the attention of the English elite for his performances with Porto in recent times.
Manchester City and the Blues are thought to be interested, but Mangala himself is said to favour a switch to Old Trafford.
Source: Daily Mail.
2. Mehdi Benatia, AS Roma
Having impressed with Roma over the past 12 months in a year when the Italians returned to form in Serie A, it’s little wonder many teams are on alert since a public falling out between the two parties.
Due to his displays following a 2013 transfer from Udinese, Benatia believes he should be given a pay rise, but with the club not budging the 27-year-old is considering his options.
Source: Daily Express.
1. Mats Hummels, Borussia Dortmund
Lastly it’s a Dortmund and Germany centre-back who is considered by many to be among the best in the world in his position and this is why van Gaal has targeted the 25-year-old for the Red Devils.
However, whether Hummels would want to give up Champions League football at the Signal Iduna Park for United is unknown.
Source: Mirror.
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