World Football Transfer Rumours: 25 Massive Names and Where They Could Go

The season is not even over yet, but already the gossip pages are filled with transfer stories concerning some of the top players in world football.

Less than a fortnight after next month's Champions League final, the summer window will officially open, while the European Championships will only fuel the amount of transfer activity set to take place between the start of June and the end of August.

Here are 25 players who are established stars but could well be on the move this summer, and where they are likely to go if they do move.  

Didier Drogba

Current club: Chelsea

Likely destinations: Paris Saint-Germain, Shanghai Shenhua

The Chelsea striker is 34 now, and there has been plenty of speculation that this will be his final season at Stamford Bridge.

The former Marseille striker has been linked with a move back to France, only this time with PSG, whose skipper Mamadou Sakho has been eager to sing the Ivorian's praises, reports the Daily Mail.

A year ago the idea of Drogba going to play in China would seem absurd, but with his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka out there and asking him to join him at Shanghai Shenhua—via the Daily Mail—anything seems possible now.

Wesley Sneijder

Current club: Inter Milan

Likely destination: Manchester United

A perennial source of transfer gossip, Sneijder is no longer the hot property he was in the past following a year in which he has struggled for fitness and form.

With that in mind, and with Inter eager to kickstart a revamp in their squad, Sneijder is likely to leave the club and will have to significantly lower his wage demands if he is to do so. The Manchester Evening News is one of many outlets still linking him with a move to Manchester United.

Sneijder will turn 28 over the summer, making him perhaps a little too old to build a whole new Old Trafford dynasty around him, but the Dutchman would certainly fill the playmaker-shaped void at United while young talents like Tom Cleverley and Paul Pogba are given time to develop. 

Joe Cole

Current club: Lille (on loan from Liverpool)

Likely destination: Aston Villa, Paris Saint-Germain 

Remember him? The one-time great young hope of English football endured a torrid time at Liverpool upon joining them on a free transfer in 2010. 

A year later he was shipped off on loan to French champions Lille where by all accounts he has resurrected his career.

Liverpool have shown no interest in taking him back, so depending on whether you believe the Daily Star or the Daily Mail, the former midfielder will be joining either Aston Villa or PSG this summer.

Mauricio Isla

Current club: Udinese

Likely destinations: Inter Milan, Chelsea

One of several stars who have already confirmed they will be leaving their current club at the end of the season, Isla has predictably courted much attention since announcing his impending departure from the Stadio Friuli.

The Football Italia website reports that Inter Milan are going to try and keep the Chilean forward in Serie A, while Metro claims that Chelsea have already made initial moves to sign him.

Eden Hazard

Current club: Lille

Likely destinations: Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City

Another player who has already packed his bags long before the summer window has opened, Lille attacker Hazard has been a lot more active in publicly plotting his next move.

Not long after the January transfer window closed, the 21-year-old gave a tease about his possible next move by claiming that it could be Tottenham, as reported by the Daily Mail. 

However, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has since revealed his hope that his fellow Belgian will choose Eastlands over White Hart Lane (via Soccernet).

Junior Hoilett

Current club: Blackburn Rovers

Likely destination: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur

Perhaps one of the breakout stars of the Premier League this season, Hoilett's status as a much sought-after player is made more noteworthy by the fact that he has been performing so well for a team fighting to avoid relegation.

The 21-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season. The Independent reported that Rovers manager Steve Kean has already admitted that the club faces a tough task keeping hold of him even if they do stay up.

The Canadian has been linked for a long time with Spurs, but recent reports suggest that fellow north Londoners Arsenal could also get in on the act, according to Metro.

Lukas Podolski

Current club: FC Koln

Likely destination: Arsenal

The most open transfer secret of the year so far has been the impending arrival of German forward Lukas Podolski at Arsenal.

Although nothing has been announced via official channels, it is widely known that a £10.9 million fee has been agreed between the two clubs (as reported by the BBC), and that the 26-year-old will join the Gunners in the summer.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be hoping that Podolski is the kind of high-calibre signing who will convince his star striker to stay.

Robin Van Persie

Current club: Arsenal

Likely destination: Manchester City

The unspoken fear for all those associated with Arsenal is that Robin van Persie will not sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in summer 2013.

Fans of the club have seen many of their world-class players leave the club, from Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri last summer all the way back to Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.

The Times reports that the Dutch striker is set to snub the big wages on offer from Manchester City in order to stay at the Emirates Stadium, but there is a long way to go between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

Lucas

Current club: Sao Paulo

Likely destinations: Inter Milan, Manchester United, Chelsea

While most of the transfer talk emanating from Brazil justifiably concerns Neymar, there is a clutch of other thrilling attacking talents who look set to make the move across the Atlantic to Europe in the next couple of years.

One of them is Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas, a player who has already been capped several times by Brazil despite still being just 19 years old.

According to Goal.com, the teenager's agent has already been boasting about contact made with European giants such as Inter Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea. His 15 percent cut of any fee can't be too far away.

Nicolas Gaitan

Current club: Benfica

Likely destination: Manchester United, Manchester City

The standout player in the Benfica midfield who helped eliminate Manchester United in the Champions League group stages is reportedly high on the shopping lists of both United and City according to the Daily Mirror.

The price tag of £25 million may be a stretch for either club to fit into their financial fair play requirements unless they sell, but the 24-year-old would be worth it.

The Argentinian makes a quarter of one of Europe's most creative midfields, but it remains to be seen if he will be taking his talents elsewhere next season.

Carlos Tevez

Current club: Manchester City

Likely destinations: AC Milan, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Corinthians 

It wasn't that long ago that the very thought of Carlos Tevez ever playing for Manchester City again was unthinkable. But, here he is, back in the squad in one final desperate measure taken by City to try and catch Premier League leaders Manchester United.

During the striker's suspension for refusing to warm up as a substitute during a Champions League game at Bayern Munich earlier in the season, moves to both Milan clubs, PSG and former club Corinthians all reached different stages but ultimately broke down because City refused to budge in their desired terms.

Now, even with Tevez back in the fold, there is no telling how long it is before the Argentinian hands in yet another transfer request, meaning the host of clubs interested in him may well get better answers to their enquiries this summer.

Shinji Kagawa

Current club: Borussia Dortmund

Likely destinations: Chelsea, Manchester United

Although overshadowed by younger teammate Mario Goetze, Shinji Kagawa attracted many plaudits last season for his role in Borussia Dortmund claiming the Bundesliga title.

Although the club came up short in the Champions League, finishing at the bottom of their group, the Japanese midfielder has confirmed his reputation as a bright attacking talent once more on the domestic front.

News that the 23-year-old is stalling over a new deal has piqued the interest of Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester United, according to the Daily Mail, although Dortmund are confident he will sign a new contract soon.

Mario Balotelli

Current club: Manchester City

Likely destinations: AC Milan, Inter Milan

When the good times were rolling earlier this season, Manchester City were happy to tolerate the excesses of Mario Balotelli. 

Now that their Premier League title challenge is fading rapidly, however, the Citizens may be grateful to cut their losses on the troublesome striker.

The Daily Mirror reports that both the Italian's former club Inter and their city rivals AC, who Balotelli supported as a boy, are willing to pay £20 million for the 21-year-old.

Hulk

Current club: Porto

Likely destinations: Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea

The man known to his mother as Givanildo Vieira de Souza has not been able to match his scoring feats of last season, when his 23 league goals helped Porto to a domestic and European treble.

However, the Brazilian striker is still attracting interest from several clubs despite the £83 million buyout clause in his contract.

While long-time admirers Chelsea may be put off by that price, nouveau-riche French giants Paris Saint-Germain could afford to pay it and are reportedly interested, even if Goal.com reports his agent as playing down the link.

Alessandro Del Piero

Current club: Juventus

Likely destinations: Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers

The veteran forward is one of the most widely admired players over the past two decades in Europe. The news that he would not be staying at the club past the end of the season sparked a tidal wave of tributes and reminiscing over his greatest moments in the black-and-white of Juventus.

At 37 years of age, the World Cup winner looked like  little more than a relic to be ceremonially paraded around this season until his goal in the 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the "Derby D'Italia" last month.

London clubs Arsenal and QPR have been linked with a move for him, according to Soccernet, and the player may look at the continued excellence of players like Raul at Schalke and decide that writing one more chapter in his glorious career on foreign shores is a good idea.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Current club: Tottenham Hotspur (on loan from Manchester City)

Likely destination: Tottenham Hotspur

When Spurs picked up Adebayor on loan from Manchester City, it seemed like the perfect deal. They could use the striker's undoubted talents for a season, and then send him back to City, making the notorious agitator their problem once more.

However, 13 league goals and 11 assists later, Adebayor has become indispensable to Spurs, to the point where it would seem foolish to allow him to strengthen a Premier League rival. That is something that City boss Roberto Mancini recently warned Spurs, as quoted by the Daily Mail. 

With the January signing of Louis Saha looking like little more than stopgap measure, it looks increasingly likely that the Londoners will have to stump up the cash and make the Togo striker a permanent member of their squad.

Edin Dzeko

Current club: Manchester City

Likely destinations: Juventus, Real Madrid

After a slow start to life in the Premier League upon his arrival in January 2011, Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko found his shooting boots at the start of this season, ending the year with 10 league goals to his name.

A return of just three more strikes since the turn of the year has drawn plenty of criticism, however, and the 26-year-old is high on the list of players expected to be culled as City overhaul their squad.

According to the Daily Mail, European giants Juventus and Real Madrid are both interested in bringing in the target man, although City may have to compromise on any potential fee.

Luka Modric

Current club: Tottenham Hotspur

Likely destinations: Manchester City, Chelsea

Keeping hold of Luka Modric last summer after the Croatian playmaker had stated his desire to leave was almost as good as a new signing for Spurs.

The club remained firm in their stance despite heavy interest from Chelsea, as they knew how important he was in their bid to return to the Champions League.

With the end of the season fast approaching, that prospect is looking decidedly shaky. If Spurs are unable to regain their place in the competition, they may not be able to resist renewed advances from their London rivals, or indeed fresh interest from Manchester City as reported by Metro.

Dimitar Berbatov

Current club: Manchester United

Likely destinations: Paris Saint-Germain, Bayer Leverkusen

When Dimitar Berbatov was not even named in the squad for last season's Champions League final, it looked as though the writing was on the wall for the Bulgarian striker's time at Old Trafford to come to an end.

However, the 31-year-old remained at the Premier League champions, and even signed a one-year contract extension.

The player's agent, though, is adamant that his client will leave at the end of the season in any case, with a return to former club Bayer Leverkusen or a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain both possible options for the player who once cost United £30 million, according to ESPN.

Giuseppe Rossi

Current club: Villarreal

Likely destinations: Inter Milan, Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur

Giuseppe Rossi looked odds on to leave Villarreal last summer, but with the Spanish club offering Champions League football and demanding a huge fee from any potential suitors, the striker ended up staying at El Madrigal.

The American-born Italy international has not played since October through injury, and in his absence Villarreal crashed out of the Champions League and are now battling against relegation from La Liga.

Even if the team nicknamed "The Yellow Submarine" manages to avoid sinking, the forward has already hinted that he will not be at the club next season, as reported by Goal.com.

Fernando Llorente

Current club: Athletic Bilbao

Likely destination: Juventus

The Spain striker is one of several players for the Basque side who have seen their stock rise greatly during their thrilling run to the semifinals of the Europa League.

Once linked with moves to both Real Madrid and Barcelona, it now appears that Juventus are the club making the biggest efforts to sign the tall forward.

The Serie A leaders had scouts watching Llorente when Athletic traveled to face Schalke in the quarterfinals of the European competition, according to Goal.com. Considering Llorente scored a brace in that game as Athletic won 4-2, they must have liked what they saw.   

Branislav Ivanovic

Current club: Chelsea

Likely destination: Real Madrid

Chelsea defender Ivanovic has been enjoying some of the best form of his career in England in recent weeks. 

While his scoring form of four goals in his last seven games has caught the eye, the big Serbia international is currently playing as well as at any time since joining the Blues from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2008.

One of the 28-year-old's biggest assets is his adaptability, as he is able to play at centre-back or on the right of the defence. That versatility has reportedly led to Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho considering a raid of his old club for the £12 million-rated defender, according to the Daily Mirror.

Gylfi Sigurdsson

Current club: Swansea City (on loan from Hoffenheim)

Likely destinations: Swansea City, Arsenal

Grabbing Sigurdsson on loan from Germany in the January transfer window was one of the coups of the winter. The Icelandic midfielder has already repaid the faith in him shown by manager Brendan Rodgers with six goals in 12 appearances.

With the Swans looking set to secure themselves a second term in the Premier League, they will be looking to make signing the former Reading midfielder on a permanent basis their first point of order.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is also considering a bid for Siggurdson, although Hoffenheim may well decide he is worth keeping after all.

Clint Dempsey

Current club: Fulham

Likely destination: Arsenal

Fulham's American forward Clint Dempsey is enjoying his finest spell of form since arriving at Craven Cottage five years ago. 

His 16 goals in the Premier League this season represents a new club record, while he has scored 13 in all competitions since the turn of the year.

The athletic, hard-working Texan is able to play in many different positions in midfield and attack, and the technical skill required to do that along with his scoring form has made him a target for Arsenal, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Adam Johnson

Current club: Manchester City

Likely destination: Sunderland

The case of Adam Johnson is a curious one. Having been brought in by City from Middlesbrough in 2010 for just £7 million, a snip compared to the amount spent on many of his team-mates, Johnson won plenty of admirers and broke his way into the senior England team.

However, manager Roberto Mancini appears to have decided he doesn't cut the mustard, stubbornly refusing to play him even when the lack of width in the City team is so clear.

As Martin O'Neill plots how to build for the future at Sunderland, Metro reports that he is eyeing a move for the winger to bring him back to his hometown.