World Football Transfer Rumours: 25 Biggest Names Tipped to Move This Summer

The 2012 summer transfer window could play host to some of the most outrageous switches in the history of football.

Spending and stakes are at an all-time high for some clubs and there are plenty of potential deals to sink your teeth into.

This article contains 25 of the top players in world football right now, all with the possibility of a summer switch in front of them.

The article does not contain players who already seem to have their moves done and dusted, such as Lukas Podolski's transfer to Arsenal.

Read on and enjoy the slideshow!

Nicolas Gaitan

Kicking us off is a player who had a helping hand in ruining Manchester United's UEFA Champions League hopes at the earliest possible stage this season.

Nicolas Gaitan, an attacking central midfielder who plies his trade with SL Benfica, could well be on the market this summer having attracted a number of suitors over the past two years.

He's comfortable through the middle and on the touchline, representing great versatility and value for money.

The Telegraph have suggested a deal worth £20 million has been done—a deal that also sees Federico Macheda and Fabio (loan) move in the opposite direction.

You can view a scouting report for Gaitain here.

Clint Dempsey

Clint Dempsey has had an unbelievable season at Fulham and very much deserves a move to a bigger club.

His haul of 17 goals and six assists represents a phenomenal individual return—the kind that has caught the eye of the premier clubs in England.

The Guardian has managed to link the American midfielder to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United so far with no telling who else could be interested.

The player himself has circumvented questions about his future, while manager Martin Jol has offered him a new deal to keep him around a little longer.

Fernando Llorente

Fernando Llorente has had a stunning season amidst dramatic change at the San Mames stadium.

Marcelo Bielsa has transformed the club, together with its playing style and instincts, from top to bottom and Llorente is one of many to benefit from the Argentinian's stewardship.

Twenty-seven goals this season with a Copa del Rey final still to play shows why the likes of Manchester City are talking about activating his release clause.

According to UK publications, City officials have met with Llorente's agent to discuss a move. The cost is said to be £29 million.

Yann M'Vila

We all thought this deal was tied up but, just like Lukas Podolski's transfer to Arsenal, it may have been hyped just a little too soon.

Still, we've no doubt that Yann M'Vila will become a Gunner and join Podolski as a summer arrival.

He's stayed at Rennes perhaps one season too long and Arsene Wenger will do well to capture his signature before a potential star showing during the European Championships this summer.

He is Laurent Blanc's go-to guy for the French national team's midfield and looks set to become one of the best screening midfielders in the world.

You can view a scouting report for M'Vila here.

Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa, Borussia Dortmund's resident playmaking star, is likely to find a new club this summer.

With just one year left on his contract, Kagawa is already said to have rejected a new one and spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about a possible move to Old Trafford.

Playing as an attacking midfielder, he has the potential to be one of the most devastating players in the world.

To avoid losing him for nothing next summer, Jurgen Klopp will sanction a sale and the fee will not represent the talent.

You can view a scouting report on Kagawa here.

Hulk

The brilliantly named Hulk could be on the move too as, like every summer, most of Europe is linked with his signature.

In particular, the Chelsea rumours don't seem to be dying down and a move to Stamford Bridge would be popular with the Blues' faithful support.

The Brazilian wide forward is one of the most skilful players in the game right now, combining insane technique with absurd power and pace to devastating effect.

You can view a scouting report of Hulk here.

Luuk de Jong

Luuk de Jong, recently described by Patrick Kluivert as Holland's striking future, looks set for a move to the Premier League this summer.

He'd be a great acquisition for Liverpool, who have been continually linked with him, but Alan Pardew of Newcastle is reported to be nosing around too.

In fact, The Sun are reporting that as many as 15 clubs are taking a closer look at him.

You can view a scouting report of de Jong here.

Javi Martinez

Javi Martinez has received plenty of attention this season and for all the right reasons—he's excelled both in midfield and in defence.

This has prompted near constant speculation of a bid from either Barcelona or Manchester United, with both teams seeing first hand what he can do to the opposition should he be given the opportunity.

It's been touted that he has a release clause of just £28 million, meaning Athletic Bilbao could lose their talisman and star player for less than he's probably worth.

You can view a scouting report on Martinez here.

Luka Modric

Last summer saw what is commonly known as the Luka Modric saga unfold—a tiresome, elongated and painful process for most.

You'll all be delighted, then, to be informed that it's all set to happen again.

Recently, the Croatian laid credence to the rumours that his time at White Hart Lane is up, although any decision will be made upon the completion of the European Championships this summer.

Whether Tottenham can hold onto him will depend heavily on securing UEFA Champions League qualification, though even that isn't a sure-fire way to retain his services.

David "Junior" Hoilett

With Blackburn Rovers relegated and David "Junior" Hoilett out of contract this summer, there's absolutely no chance current manager Steve Kean will be able to retain his services.

Available for a nominal tribunal fee, Premier League managers should be falling over each other to claim this kid's signature.

The Guardian have linked Hoilett to Arsenal, whilst The Mail Online have suggested Tottenham and Bayern Munich want in on the action too.

With Premier League experience and the ability to be a game-changer, this Canadian international will have no shortage of options.

You can view a scouting report on Hoilett here.

Gaston Ramirez

Gaston Ramirez is a huge name being linked with a few clubs this summer.

From what we've seen here at Bleacher Report so far, Liverpool fans are absolutely desperate for the links to come true and for this Uruguayan to become a Red.

Ramirez, set to feature and star at this summer's Olympic soccer tournament, represents trickery, versatility and natural talent in its purest form.

You can find a scouting report for him here.

Gonzalo Higuain

The Mail Online believe that Chelsea could swoop for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain this summer as the Argentine is currently playing second fiddle to Karim Benzema.

His playing time has been severely limited by the Frenchman's great form and while his goalscoring talents are recognised worldwide, right now he's simply a luxurious backup option.

Jose Mourinho would be wise not to let this one go, but a substantial bid could see his mind changed. The Mail reckon Roman Abramovich will offer £35 million—is that enough to prise him away?

Andre Schurrle

Bayer Leverkusen and Germany forward Andre Schurrle has reportedly caught the eye of Roman Abramovich too, as he weighs up a bid for the Bundesliga player.

The Telegraph reckon said bid will be around £15 million and worth every penny—a statement I wholeheartedly agree with.

His performances for the German national team have been excellent, displaying the ability to play wide, through the middle or up top.

For a look at Schurrle's strengths and weaknesses, click here.

Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen is a name that's been dogged with speculation for several seasons now. He, like his Belgian comrade Thomas Vermaelen, seems destined for a move to the Premier League.

The two North London clubs are vying for his signature, with Tottenham perhaps appearing to have the edge in the transfer battle.

Spurs are more desperate for a central defender considering the question marks over Ledley King's future in the game, whilst Arsenal will be happy to rely on a Laurent Koscielny-Vermaelen partnership.

Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack is moving on this summer as his love affair with Bayer Leverkusen has come to an end for the second time.

He's been told he can leave by the Leverkusen supremos, who will likely make a tidy saving on the wage bill should he depart.

USA? China? QPR? Who knows.

Eljero Elia

Juventus flop Eljero Elia could be searching for a new home this summer and, quelle surprise, Liverpool have been linked.

The World Cup runner-up could make Anfield his new home (via talkSPORT) and Bleacher Report's Tim Daniels thinks this is a move that should be pushed through.

The winger hasn't found joy in Turin this season, but there's no way his talent has disappeared. There are plenty of teams crying out for a good left winger, so Elia is definitely worth a punt for a top-tier team.

Seydou Keita

While Liverpool's interest in Seydou Keita will take a back seat during the managerial hiring and firing proceedings, there's no doubt this guy is on the move.

He's got the ability to turn out regularly and anchor a top-tier midfield but simply can't find enough minutes on the pitch at Barcelona.

He's a solid, safe player who you can't go wrong with for approximately £5 million.

Emmanuel Adebayor

There's absolutely no chance Emmanuel Adebayor will stay at Manchester City for next season, but exactly where he ends up will depend on his wage demands.

This source reckons the deal is done to turn his loan deal with Tottenham into a permanent one, but the wage structure at Spurs could yet be a sticking point.

We know Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho are quite fond of him; could he possibly be going back there?

If the speculation regarding Gonzalo Higuain's exit is to be believed, then that could well be an option for the Togolese hitman.

Ezequiel Lavezzi

Napoli have had a season to remember and, despite not making it into the UEFA Champions League places for next year, will look fondly upon memories of knocking Manchester City out of Europe's elite competition.

The team have three players to thank most of all, and here is one of them. The Mail Online are suggesting that Ezequiel Lavezzi, rated at around £28 million, is set to leave the Southern Italian club in search of silverware.

The Argentinian will be hard to prise from the clutches of Naples but his talent is without question. He might just move this summer.

Benoit Assou-Ekotto

The ever-reliable Benoit Assou-Ekotto is being linked with a surprise move away from White Hart Lane and, if Tottenham aren't careful, could be facing an exodus.

Juventus are checking in on his availability this summer and with one year left on his contract, "Benny" will have the power during transfer and contract negotiations.

It'd be a big loss for Spurs as their only backup comes in the form of the excitable, yet not completely dependable Danny Rose.

Robin van Persie

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last six months, you'll know that Robin van Persie's future is very much up in the air.

The Dutchman has had a great season, netting 36 goals in all competitions and leading Arsenal to third place in the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger will be preparing for another torrid summer, facing up to the fact that he could yet again lose his best player, and Manchester City have been heavily linked with the player for some time.

The list of contenders does seem to be whittling away though, as Goal.com have suggested that Barcelona aren't interested and Juventus have pulled out.

Edinson Cavani

Speaking of Juventus, the reason they have pulled out of the race to sign Robin van Persie is reportedly due to their interest in No. 1 target Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan international has hit the headlines on multiple occasions this season, having scored 35 goals in all competitions.

Back in March, Metro.co.uk suggested Chelsea were in pole position to sign him, but now Goal.com seem pretty sure it's The Old Lady's deal to lose.

Antonio Conte has a number of bit-part players among his ranks and is willing to offer a part-exchange deal to land him.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba, a feature in my article on upcoming free transfers this summer, is widely expected to leave Chelsea this summer.

Whilst early speculation had the Ivorian joining former teammate Nicolas Anelka at Shanghai Shenhua, Barcelona have recently emerged as the front-runners for his signature.

The Spanish giants were likely impressed with his displays against them in the UEFA Champions League semifinal and could offer something invaluably different at the Catalan club.

Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski has released some typically cryptic comments regarding his future, suggesting he might be looking for pastures new.

Manchester United and Bayern Munich have been credited with interest in the Polish hotshot, and Jurgen Klopp will be worried his squad could be dismantled just as it starts to become truly great.

While you'd think the striker owes Borussia some loyalty, "What more can I accomplish with Dortmund?" pretty much says it all.

Eden Hazard

This impending transfer simply fails to excite nowadays, and we will all rest in comfort and satisfaction when he finally switches teams this summer.

Eden Hazard has recently revealed that next season he'll be situated in Manchester, playing in a blue shirt.

So he's moving to Manchester City. Case closed.

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