Ten players from below the Premier League who are on the big boys’ radars.
Whilst it may not have the glamour of the Premier League, the Football League has always been a proving ground for talented young footballers, with Rickie Lambert being just one example of a player who has cut his teeth in the lower leagues before making the move upwards.
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Here are ten players who could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Aaron Cresswell, who has impressed since moving from Ipswich to West Ham this summer, and make it in the top flight:
Jordan Rhodes (Blackburn Rovers)
Rhodes’ goalscoring record for both Huddersfield and Blackburn is well documented and the Scottish international was sought after by Hull City this summer – how long can Premier League sides ignore his ridiculously prolific performances?
Tyrone Mings (Ipswich Town)
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for Mings in recent weeks, with the explosive full back being the latest exciting player to emerge from the conveyor belt at Ipswich Town.
Regan Poole (Newport County)
Manchester United have already taken young Newport County defender Regan Poole on trial and could well push through with their interest in the teenager in the near future.
Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest)
Stuart Pearce’s Nottingham Forest have already sold two young stars this summer in Jamaal Lascelles and Karl Darlow, who both joined Newcastle United before returning on loan, but silky midfielder Ben Osborn has now broken into the first team and looks even more exciting than both.
Patrick Roberts (Fulham)
England youth international Patrick Roberts has broken into the Fulham first team now has clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea tracking his progress and is one of the most exciting young players in England right now.
Sam Byram (Leeds United)
Everton have been interested in young Leeds United right back Sam Byram in the past, whilst the Whites also rejected a significant bid from Southampton this summer – Byram certainly seems to be Premier League bound in the future.
Will Hughes (Derby County)
Liverpool are known to be huge admirers of young Derby County midfielder Will Hughes, who has been a key part of the Rams’ side for more than a year despite his tender age. The England Under 21 international is a massive prospect.
Ben Gibson (Middlesbrough)
Middlesbrough left back Ben Gibson, the son of chairman Steve, has become a key part of the Middlesbrough team since Aitor Karanka took over as manager, with his career looking to be on a real upwards trajectory.
Massimo Luongo (Swindon Town)
Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper believes that Australian international and former Tottenham midfielder Massimo Luongo should already be in the Premier League, but if his performances for the Robins continue to catch the eye then he could well regret those remarks!
Dele Alli (Milton Keynes Dons)
MK Dons have already seen numerous young talents join Premier League clubs, including Liverpool youngster Sheyi Ojo, but midfielder Dele Alli is a little bit special – the Reds are believed to be heading the list for the talented midfield player.