Summer Transfer Window: 12 Defenders That Could Be on the Move

Quality defenders are always in high demand for any club, because a side that leaks goals, probably won't be very successful.

As we get to the business end of the season, many clubs will already be eying potential candidates that could strengthen their defence.

Some players have been already been reported to be on the move in the next transfer window, and there are some defenders who are perhaps ready to take a step up to top-level football.

What players could be making a big move, and what club might they be going to?

Ryan Shawcross

Ryan Shawcross is what most people would call an "old school" defender, and something that made the English game admired worldwide.

He does not shy away from a tackle, but plays the game with class as well.

Still considered young at 24 years old, he is a born leader and already captain of his club.

His performances for Stoke have gained him high praise from everyone in the English game.

Stoke will not want to sell their captain, but if a club was to come in with an offer they deem to be worthy, we could see him make a big move.

Adil Rami

If The Sun is to be believed (and it usually isn't), then Adil Rami will be heading to Old Trafford this summer.

Whether there is any truth to this story is yet to be seen, but what is true is that Rio Ferdinand is coming to the end of his United career, and Alex Ferguson will want to find a suitable replacement sooner, rather than later.

Rami currently marshalls the Valencia defence, and is a a fully fledged member of the French national side.

Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his situation, and rated at a reported £20 million, he could prove to be good value at today's prices.

Cesar Azpilicueta

This Spanish full-back has really impressed in Ligue 1 recently, and has attracted the attention of some of Europe's elite.

Coming through the Osasuna youth ranks, he moved to Marseille in 2010, where he picked up a horrible injury—which he has now overcome.

He has also played with real quality for the Spain U21 and U23 sides, almost earning himself a place in the 2010 Senior World Cup side.

Chelsea have expressed an interest in the past, as have Arsenal, so we could see this exciting young player in the Premier League next season

Mats Hummels

Since joining Borussia Dortmund in 2008 after coming through the Bayern Munich youth academy, Mats Hummels has become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.

Still only 23 years old, he has many years left to improve his game and become an even stronger player.

His last few seasons with the German giants have helped him gain admirers from all over Europe.

Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United have all been keeping tabs on him. He has already ruled out a move to Manchester, but as we know, things can change in football, so we could see a big scrap for his signature in the summer.

David Luiz

David Luiz was an instant favourite with the Chelsea fans following his arrival from Benfica in 2011.

His forward runs and flamboyant way of defending makes him very entertaining to watch.

So the news that Barcelona may be lining up a bid for the Brazilian won't have been good news to all the Blues fans that have warmed to him.

Luiz has stated that he is very happy at Chelsea, and is loving life in London, but a chance to play for the best team in the world could be hard to turn down.

Neven Subotic

Another Borussia Dortmund defender, Subotic is almost as highly rated as his partner in defence, Mats Hummels.

Also still a young man at 23 years old, he has been a pivotal figure in Dortmund's success since 2008.

His current employers will probably be reluctant to sell both their star centre-backs, but Subotic did send out a message to Chelsea last year, urging them to sign him.

There has been a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, with Manchester United and Arsenal having also made inquiries into his availability.

Nemanja Vidic

Following a knee injury in December of last year, the Manchester United captain has been out of action since—and will be for the rest of the season.

Despite this, he is still regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and he could get a place in any European side.

In the past, he has been reportedly quoted as saying he dislikes life in Manchester, and that he would welcome a challenge at another club.

United would probably get hesitant to sell their captain, but then again, they were reluctant to sell Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dede

This talented Brazilian has been on transfer rumour mills a lot this year. His current club Vasco da Gama, will have to work very hard if they are to convince him to stay in Brazil.

He currently only has two international caps under his belt, and a move to Europe may help his chances in gaining himself a regular place in the national side.

Having already turned down a move to Benfica, the Premier League looks to be his most likely destination, with Liverpool and Manchester United both said to be interested.

Gregory Van Der Wiel

This 6'0" Dutch attack-minded right-back has been in the newspapers almost every day over the past few transfer windows.

This is because the list of clubs that are allegedly interested in his services is a long one.

Barcelona and Chelsea just two of the clubs that have been reported to be monitoring him.

Chelsea are said to be leading the race, and with Bosingwa's days at Stamford Bridge looking numbered, this deal looks more likely than most.

Hector Moreno

Hector Moreno is not yet a household name, but among the footballing community he is thought of very highly.

At only 24 years old, he has already represented his country at a world cup, and has some of the world's biggest clubs sniffing after him.

A solid and consistent centre-back is something all clubs like to have in their ranks, Everton and Real Madrid are among some of the clubs that have shown interest in the Mexican.

Pepe

Pepe is a somewhat controversial player, known to be a bit fiery and short-tempered.

This does not change the fact that he is still a highly rated defender and is admired by clubs all over Europe.

Currently playing for Real Madrid, he has made over 100 appearances for the Spanish giants, and his performances have earned him a price tag in the region of £35 million.

Chelsea were reported to be monitoring him, and a bid looked to be on the cards.

This deal never materialised, but another club could come in for him this summer.

Jan Vertonghen

Another Ajax defender, and another 24-year-old, this 6'2" Belgian powerhouse has been valued at around £22 million.

This is no surprise considering his defensive skills are only one part of his game. He is a force going forward, and has a shot that any striker would welcome.

The Premier League looks to be his most likely destination, with both North London clubs set to start a bidding war for his signature.