World Football Transfers: Ranking the Top 20 Players on the Market
As the domestic seasons draw to a close, the rumours of where many players could be moving escalate greatly leaving many fans anxiously waiting, desperate to hold onto their prized stars and many teeming with anticipation of seeing the next big thing lining up for their beloved club.
From wily veterans targeted for their nous and experience to raw, young prospects ready to be let loose on the opposition, many players will be rumoured and linked with departures in the summer but here are 20 possible big name players who could be in need of a change of address in the upcoming months.
Paul Konchesky
1 of 20
Paul Konchesky must be scratching his head at how his career has turned over the past season.
After playing a key part in Fulham's rise under Roy Hodgson, Konchesky was part of the team that reached the Europa League final just last year.
After being recruited to Liverpool by his former boss Konchesky failed to hit top form, then saw Hodgson leave in dire circumstances and now finds himself out of the Premier League on loan altogether after being put out on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Most likely club: one of the promoted clubs
Wayne Bridge
2 of 20
Like many of Manchester City's players, Wayne Bridge arrived in a flurry of expectations and visions of the future but was then almost immediately forgotten when a newer, more expensive signing came along.
Now on loan at West Ham, Bridge has settled in at Upton Park and could well be staying in east London permanently come the summer.
Most likely club: West Ham
Roque Santa Cruz
3 of 20
Santa Cruz has followed a similar path to Bridge in recent months being left in the shadows at Eastlands after signing as one of the more prolific strikers in the Premier League at Blackburn.
Now back at Ewood Park on loan, Santa Cruz has struggled to re-find his scoring touch, however there willstill be many Premier League teams looking for a proven goal scorer come next season.
Most likely club: Blackburn
John Carew
4 of 20
Another player on loan for the remainder of the year, John Carew is the prototypical strike for Stoke: he's big, strong, physical and is good in the air.
Carew has proven to be a good squad player for Stoke as Kenwyne Jones' back-up and with Darren Bent now the front-man at Villa, a return looks unlikely.
Most likely club: Stoke
Connor Wickham
5 of 20
One of the more highly rated youngster in the second tier of English football, Ipswich's 18-year-old striker is likely to be the Jermaine Beckford of this summer.
Many big clubs have been linked with the teenager and a move looks on the cards.
Most likely club: Liverpool
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
6 of 20
Another highly rated prospect, Chamberlain is pretty much guaranteed a the step up to the Premier League in the summer with the bigger clubs all vying for his services.
Having come through the same academy system that gave us Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale, Chamberlain will be in hot demand in the summer.
Most likely club: Arsenal
Jose Enrique
7 of 20
Jose Enrique was an adequate left-back when Newcastle were relegated two years ago. He's returned to the top flight one of the best full-backs in England.
Enrique has been one of Newcastle's best players this season and they'll be hard pressed to hold onto him in the summer.
Most likely club: Liverpool
Carlos Vela
8 of 20
Vela has impressed in his limited opportunities with Arsenal predominantly in the Carling Cup.
Despite this Vela's chances to play regularly for the Gunners have been non-existance and the Mexican has found himself out on loan to West Brom.
If Vela can help the Baggies to safety, a permanent move may be around the corner.
Most likely club: West Brom
Nicklas Bendtner
9 of 20
Bendtner has never really hit a consistent enough patch of form to constitute Arsene Wenger keeping him around.
Despite Bendtner's seemingly consistent inability to score goals, the Danish striker will attract attention from clubs both in England and across Europe.
Most likely club: Hamburg
Gary Cahill
10 of 20
Bolton's star centre-back continues to go from strength to strength and despite Bolton's on-field success, they may find it difficult to hold onto the defender if one of the elite clubs come calling .
Most likely club: Arsenal
Daniel Sturridge
11 of 20
It seemed odd when Daniel Sturridge chose Chelsea as a suitable club after leaving Manchester City in search of first team football.
Now on loan at Bolton, Sturridge has been scoring goals for fun and certainly looks like a better scoring option for Chelsea than a certain £50m Spaniard back at Stamford Bridge.
Sturridge has said he wants to fight for a place at Chelsea but with the arrival of Torres, he may have to move elsewhere to ensure regular football.
Most likely club: Bolton
Charles N'Zogbia
12 of 20
N'Zogbia almost left Wigan last summer and now as Wigan face a relegation scrap, he's certain to be on his way out come this summer.
A number of clubs will be interested in the Frenchman from mid-table teams sub as Birmingham to the big names like Liverpool.
Most likely club: Liverpool
Charlie Adam
13 of 20
Blackpool's captain has been a talisman for the tangerine army and has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Blackpool did well to keep hold of Adam in the January window and a summer move seems certain.
Most likely club: Tottenham
Alexis Sanchez
14 of 20
Sanchez had a great World Cup for Chile and looks set for a departure from River Plate, on loan from Udinese.
The big Premier League clubs are interested in Sanchez and it'll be a scrap to gain his signature.
Most likely club: Manchester City
Edinson Cavani
15 of 20
Napoli's star striker looks set to be the subject of a bidding war from a number of Premier League clubs.
Napoli will be hard pressed to keep hold of the Uruguayan forward with Tottenham, Manchester City Arsenal and Liverpool all linked to the 24-year-old.
Most likely club: stays at Napoli... just
Ashley Young
16 of 20
Ashley Young has been one of the more dangerous attacking forces in the Premier League for a number of years.
With Aston Villa steadily declining in recent years, Young looks set to follow Gareth Barry and James Milner in departing from Villa Park.
Most likely club: Manchester United
Fernando Llorente
17 of 20
Fernando Llorente looks set to become the latest Spanish talent to come to England with a number of clubs interested in his services.
It'll take a substantial fee, but someone is likely to swoop for the 26-year-old striker.
Most likely club: Tottenham
Emmanuel Adebayor
18 of 20
After falling out of favour at Manchester City, Adebayor has had a new lease of life on loan at Real Madrid.
Real would be mad not to sign the striker permanently in the summer.
Most likely club: Real Madrid
Gareth Bale
19 of 20
Tottenham will be desperate to hold on to their star winger but after dazzling on the European stage, a failure to provide Champions League football may push the Welshman away from White Hart Lane.
Bale has stated recently that playing in Europe's premier competition is an imperative for him and also that he would be interested in playing abroad in the future.
Spurs must make the top four to retain Bale's services.
Most likely club: Manchester United
Neymar
20 of 20
He has stupid hair, temperament issues and an attitude problem but he's talented and that will always entice the big clubs.
He's 19 year old and plays away from the elite footballing world for Santos.
A big money move is on the cards and there will be no shortage of clubs lining up to try and sign the Brazilian.
Most likely club: Chelsea
