January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Solid performances will reap huge paydays
The summer silly season has already started with Chelsea splashing the cash on Germany's Michael Ballack and Ukraine's Andiry Schevechenko.
But the spending won't stop there.
The chairmen and managers from Europe's top clubs will be watching with pens and chequebooks poised.
Here's a glimpse at who'll be in the shop window.
Didier Zokora, Ivory Coast.
The lowdown: A tough tackling hard man in the middle of the park who has emerged as one of the most consistent midfielders in France:
The next who? The 'new Patrick Vieira.'
Current team: St. Etienne in France's top division.
Watch list: Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester United lead a host of club's chasing his signature.
World Cup prospects: If Ivory Coast get out of the group he could put his name on the top of Premiership shopping lists.
Fee: He's currently being quoted at around $15 million.
Likely to move? Almost certain to be playing in the English Premier League next season with Spurs the likely destination.
Franck Ribery, France
The lowdown: The next great hope of French football, Ribery has shone for the under-21s and now looks set to get his chance on the big-stage.
The next who? The 'new Zinedine Zidane'.
Current team: Marseille in France's top division.
Watch list: Manchester United, Arsenal and French champions Lyon are rumoured to be interested.
World Cup prospects: With Zidane still the darling of French football his playing time looks limited but he could prosper as an 'impact substitute.'
Fee: $15 million
Likely to move? Marseille are apparently ready to let him go and Lyon look the keenest to sign.
Juan Roman Riquelme, Argentina
The lowdown: Sublimely talented attacking midfielder who inspired Villareal to unprecedented success in the Champions League last season. His country's most consistent performer.
The next who? The 'new Diego Maradona.'
Current team: Villareal in the Spanish Primera Liga
Watch list: Manchester United are the only club to have stated their interest but Real Madrid and a host of top Italian teams will be watching him in Germany.
World Cup prospects: He's the main man in Argentina's midfield and could well be the player of the tournament.
Fee: Again the fee quoted has been around $15 million but that looks on the low side. If he has the kind of tournament everyone expects it will take at least double that figure.
Likely to move? His star is rising and it seems unlikely that a relatively small club like Villareal can hold on to their prize asset.
Dirk Kuyt, Holland
The lowdown: The pacy blonde striker is part of the next generation of Dutch talent. He's been banging in the goals for Feynoord.
The next who? The 'new Ruud Van Nistelrooy.'
Watch list: Liverpool and Man City are said to be interested and Glen Roeder is supposedly lining up a bid to bring him to Newcastle as Alan Shearer's replacement.
World Cup prospects: With Holland favouring a split striker system involving Robben, Van Persie and Van Nistelrooy his game time may be limited.
Fee: It will probably take $20 million to bring him to England
Likely to move? Even if he doesn't feature in the World Cup, plenty of Premiership managers will be hovering.
Nikola Zigic, Serbia and Montenegro
The lowdown: At an imposing 6ft 8ins Zigic is a powerful striker in the traditional English mould.
The next who? Er… the 'new Peter Crouch?'
Current Team: Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
Whose watching? Allegedly Arsenal and Chelsea are interested but more reliable reports suggest Blackburn, Portsmouth and Bolton will have their scouts watching the giant striker. Athletico Madrid could also make a move.
World Cup Prospects: Should Serbia & Montenegro manage to score a goal in the tournament he's the most likely man to get it.
Fee: Around $12 mllion.
Likely to move? His height makes him an attractive proposition for the mid-table English clubs and one of them is sure to snap him up.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.