Transfer Window: Power Ranking 10 Big Names Left on the Market

Transfer Of Power
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The summer transfer window is basically one drawn-out bit of TMZ-reportage (minus the NSFW images). Yes, there is plenty of intrigue over who's going to end up where but all the posturing and postulating can be something of a head-spinner for supporters and pundits alike.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG and Eden Hazard to Chelsea were two monumental bank-breakers from June and July. The stakes only get higher as the transfer window nears its close on August 31.

There's plenty of hemming and hawing over the final destinations of the remaining big targets. We're not casting any aspersions on those that hang on every tidbit of grist for the rumor mill. In this discourse we will simply rank 10 (and only 10) of the most significant and likely-to-be-moved footballers whose names continue to be bandied about.

For edification purposes only...

10. Clint Dempsey

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While possibly the least pricey name on this list (£15 Million), he is also the most coveted and discussed potential American transfer in history.

9. Andy Carroll

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The writing seems to be on the old wonderwall for Mr. Carroll, a striker expected to produce quite a bit more than just six goals in 42 appearances for Liverpool since his £35 million transfer in 2011.

8. Yann M'Vila

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The French defensive midfielder has been the topic of many discussions this summer. While clearly a talented anchor with a superb work rate, he is sought after more for his potential than his track record.

7. Robert Lewandowski

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A striker with a proven nose for goals commands a high asking price on the transfer market. Thirty goals in all competitions with Borussia Dortmund last season upped Lewandowski's market value considerably.

6. Gonzalo Higuain

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A 2010 back injury slowed Gonzo's meteoric rise in 2010-2011. Higuain came back with a vengeance last season though, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

Once thought to be overshadowed by the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, a transfer to a club with a more dire need of scoring prowess may yet help the Argentine reach football's rarefied air.

5. Carlos Tevez

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Carlitos has become the tempestuous footballer many predicted. A row with Roberto Mancini may not be enough for an exit visa to be issued but no one will be surprised to see El Apache in another kit come September.

4. Hulk

You Wouldn't Like Him When He's Angry
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The Incredible One is still quite the radioactive human being on the pitch but is apparently leaving it up to divine forces where he ends up for the start of the 2012-2013 season.

3. Luka Modric

My Name Is Luka
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The big clubs are queuing up for a shot at the little playmaker, aka Beast Mod-ric. The Croatian midfielder is only available to the one percenters though with a fee somewhere in the £40 million hemisphere.

Your humble narrator can be purchased for substantially less, say a $400.00 per diem? My kick-about teammates tell me my crosses are exquisite.

2. Robin van Persie

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After a dreadful Euro 2012 for his Dutch side, RVP would like nothing better than to end his summer of discontent in some new digs. He's in the penultimate position here on the strength of name recognition and his torrid 2011-2012 campaign (37 goals, 15 assists in all competitions).

1. Neymar

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Loyalty to Brazil has been Neymar's trademark since the prodigy became a senior team fixture for Santos in 2009. His price tag is hefty (£40 million) and he's only even entertaining dialogues from Real Madrid and Barcelona. He's holding all the cards in this high-stakes hold 'em game and his suitors know that.

And scene...

No, we didn't forget about Mario Gotze, Dimitar Berbatov, Mathieu Debuchy, Wesley Sneijder, Alex Witsel, Federico Balzaretti, Royston Drenthe, Lucas Moura and Alex Dzagoev. We just only had room in our cerebral cortex for 10 this time. Another argument for another day in Sim City.