The FA are poised to bring in new home-grown rules – in which Premier League clubs will only be allowed a maximum of 13 overseas players in the senior squad, reduced from the current quota of 17.
As a result, the giants of English football could be forced into panic-buying top homegrown talent. Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere and Gunners forward Theo Walcott are among the biggest names that could be the subject of a summer transfer battle.
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Take a look at the top 10 most in-demand English players…
Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
BBC Sport reported that the 20-year-old has already told the Reds that he wants to leave Anfield at the end of the season, and further talks between Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre are set to take place later this week.
Liverpool are adamant that they do not want to sell the young winger, however an offer of £35m might be enough to prize him away from Merseyside. Arsenal and Manchester City are set to battle it out for his signature.
This would be a staggering fee for a youngster with much to prove.
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal
The Gunners midfielder has – once more – had his season blighted by injury problems, and with Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey competing for places in midfield, he has fallen down the pecking order.
Arsene Wenger has insisted that the England international will not leave the Emirates but, according to the Daily Star, Manchester City are still considering a £30m bid.
The 23-year-old has bags of potential with his grit on and off the ball a standout ability – and a rare feat in the modern midfielder. However, given his injury troubles – particularly persistent ankle problems – he would be a risk signing.
Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
The right-back has been linked to an exit from St Mary’s for much of the campaign, as his current deal is set to expire next summer.
The 24-year-old could yet commit his future to the Saints, however, according to the Express, Chelsea and Manchester United are lining up a £25m move.
Southampton have two of the most promising English full-backs in the Premier League – with former Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand starring on the opposite flank.
Theo Walcott – Arsenal
The England winger’s current £90,000 per-week contract at the Emirates expires next summer, and Liverpool have been heavily linked to his signature – with a sensational swap dealing involving Raheem Sterling mooted [via Sky Sports].
While injury has damaged his season, there’s no doubt that he remains capable of delivering key goals to a top four side, but with Alexis Sanchez to compete with in attack, he could be eyeing the exit.
Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign at White Hart Lane – scoring 28 goals in all competitions, and looks to have filled the goalscoring void left by former Spurs star Gareth Bale.
The striker has been linked with a rather farfetched £45m move to Manchester United at the end of the season [via the Daily Star], but is expected to stay put in North London.
James Milner – Manchester City
The Sky Blues midfielder is set to reject a whopping four-year deal worth £165,000 per-week to stay at the Etihad, and is rumoured to have his mind set on a transfer to Arsenal [via the Daily Star].
This season the England international has proved just how much he has to offer a top four side in the Premier League if given regular playing time.
Aaron Cresswell – West Ham United
The 25-year-old made the jump up from the Championship to the Premier League only in the summer, but he has started every league game for the Hammers, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.
The defender has been linked to Manchester City and Chelsea, but the Metro report that he wants to stay at Upton Park.
Ross Barkley – Everton
Like many of his Toffees team-mates, the midfielder has disappointed this term – but his potential to become an England great has maintained his popularity in the market.
He is another homegrown player that Manchester City are rumoured [via the Daily Mail] to be interested in, but has been described as ‘too young’ for a move to the Etihad.
John Stones – Everton
Despite the Toffees’ woeful season, the 20-year-old has been in excellent form, and has caught the eye of Chelsea and Manchester City [via the Daily Mail].
Such is his form and potential, the young defender could spark an end of season transfer battle between the Premier League duo. Jose Mourinho almost landed Stones last summer, and is poised to return with a lucrative offer. The Portuguese manager believes he could be the successor to John Terry.
Danny Rose – Tottenham Hotspur
The left-back shocked Spurs fans when he debuted an ‘Arsenal red’ haircut at the weekend, but he could cause even more surprise by moving to Manchester City in the summer. The Citizens, according to the Daily Mail, have been watching the 24-year-old this term.
The versatile defender has the potential to star on the international stage, but Premier League supporters are still wanting more from his performances.
