With the World Cup now over, there’s bound to be even more transfer speculation surrounding the stars that stood out at this summer’s tournament in Russia.
We’ve already seen some of these names before, and a few have been linked with big names like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea already.
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However, with some impressing on the biggest stage this summer, there’s bound to be even more interest as their stock rises.
Here’s our pick of eight stand-out performers from the tournament, realistic or otherwise, that we’d just love to see plying their trade in England at some point…
1) Kylian Mbappe
Where else would we start apart from this guy? The 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward is one of the best players in the world already and it’s frightening to think he’s only going to get better.
The Frenchman was on fire in the World Cup final, scoring a well-taken goal from distance to help Les Bleus beat Croatia 4-2 and lift the cup for the second time.
Are we realistically likely to see Mbappe move to a Premier League club any time soon? Well, it’s not like some of them can’t afford it, but given that he only moved to PSG last summer we’ll probably have to wait a little while longer.
2) Aleksandr Golovin
The classy Russian playmaker, Aleksandr Golovin looks another young player with an extremely bright future, and this breakthrough tournament could be what earns him a big move this summer.
It’s already been reported by the Telegraph that he’s held talks over joining Chelsea, so we may be lucky enough to see the 22-year-old strut his stuff on these shores this season.
3) Benjamin Pavard
Like Mbappe, another immensely talented young player forming part of what could be a Golden Generation in the French national team.
Still only 22 years of age, Benjamin Pavard mainly played at centre-back for his club Stuttgart last season, before blossoming as a top class end-to-end right-back for France at the World Cup.
Pavard has previously been linked as a target for Arsenal by L’Equipe (translation via the Metro) but it will surely be even harder for the Gunners to get him now.
4) Ivan Perisic
Scorer of a sublime goal in the final defeat to France, Ivan Perisic showed what a quality performer he is for Croatia this summer.
Having shone for Inter Milan, Perisic was linked with Manchester United last summer and it was recently claimed that they’re in talks over a deal for him again this year, according to Paris United, translated by Get French Football News.
The 29-year-old may have broken English hearts in the World Cup semi-final, but it could now be that he’ll be wowing English crowds with his pace, skill and eye for goal.
5) Diego Godin
One of the very best centre-backs on the planet for a number of years now, there may be little hope of seeing Diego Godin leave Atletico Madrid, but it would be something special.
The Uruguay international had another strong showing at this summer’s World Cup, and it’s hard to imagine a defender currently playing outside England who’d be better suited to the rigours of the English game.
6) Hirving Lozano
An exciting young winger or forward, there are surely a few Premier League clubs who could do with signing Mexican sensation Hirving Lozano this summer.
The 22-year-old caught the eye at the World Cup with his winning goal in a shock victory over Germany, and there has been some speculation linking the PSV man with a move to England since.
Tuttomercatoweb state Manchester United are interested in him, while the Sun have also linked him with Arsenal.
7) Mario Mandzukic
Despite a mixed final that included both putting through his own net and then one of the most bizarre goals ever seen in a World Cup final, Mario Mandzukic is a proven forward with the battling qualities to succeed for an English club.
Gianluca Di Marzio recently linked him with Manchester United, and one imagines the Croatian front-man might struggle to play as often for Juventus following the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Not the most sublimely skilful player, but still in his own way a joy to watch, and one who could be a great fit in the Premier League.
8) Denis Cheryshev
Despite flopping at Real Madrid earlier in his career, Denis Cheryshev showed plenty of potential with some stunning goals for Russia at this summer’s World Cup.
With a deadly left foot, Cheryshev is a superb goal-scoring winger who could surely do a job for teams like Everton and West Ham as they bid to break into the top six, or perhaps a very sensible signing for Leicester City after losing Riyad Mahrez?