8. William Carvalho – Sporting Lisbon
Linked with: Manchester United, Chelsea
The story: United, in desperate need for a competent midfield player, scouted the young Portuguese international over 12 times during the course of the season. Reports that a £32m b/id was accepted appear to be false before he heads off to the World Cup.
What will happen: He will stay in Lisbon. With Van Gaal and Mourinho looking elsewhere, the rest of Europe will wait patiently for another year before someone like Monaco or Real Madrid up their offer to £40m before the English club’s even realise he’s been made available.