Of course, no confirmed here - only the players around the globe that have been creating a media frenzy for themselves and very much face the prospect of having their faces mug-shotted all over the back of English tabloids come the summer.
From costly to bargain material, world class to wonderkid, well-known to the unknown - here are my top touted rumours so far!
Mesut Ozil
Real Madrid
AMC
23
Top of the list, needs no real introduction. This part-Turkish German schemer was caught in an extreme tug of war battle following his stand-out performances at the 2010 World Cup. Jose Mourinho eventually beat Sir Alex Ferguson to his signature but that has failed to stop the Manchester United boss who still eyes the little creator as the answer to the ageing Scholes and Giggs. United are a bit behind in terms of that 'in the whole' player, they do not yet have an answer to the likes of David Silva and Juan Mata hence their formation sometimes can be subdued to 4-4-2. Ozil has of course stated he's very satisfied in Madrid, possibility of a Champions League final on the horizon - one fears it would take a
minimum of £30m before Jose would even raise an eyelid.
Iker Muniain
Atletic Bilbao
MR/L
19
What a year in terms of raising his profile this kid has enjoyed. His clubs marvelous run to the Europa League semi final has had top, top European clubs' toungues wagging, Muniain's pace, directness and trickyness down that right hand side has already undone many an experienced rearguard. Again, as predictable with the top end of our list Sir Alex Ferguson is rumoured to be a huge fan - it will be difficult though - this transfer more so. The Basque nature of Bilbao will prove big stumbling block as the youngsters ties with his hometown are known to be monumentally strong, the likes of Barcelona and Juventus are also sniffing around - perhaps the prospect of staying in Spain and linking up with his future Spanish international teammates may prove too persuasive. Either way, a giant £29.5m has been thrown around the rumour mill, for a good reason.
Eden Hazard
Lille
AMC/WINGER
21
This one has been floating around for a good few years now, the Belgian wide man is now into his twenties and always maturing, his loyalty to Lille has proved unquestionable - though a talent of such size can surely only say no for so long. You only have to look up at the heights of the League table to find interest in this man, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham have all let their interest be known to the French club. Yohan Cabaye was said to have told his friend to choose The Emerites over White Hart Lane, whilst United scouting staff were said to be "reviewing the playmakers character" before approaching with any more severity. His goalscoring record in France speaks for itself, quite magnificent for a non-forward - it will surely be only time before he lights up the Champions League.
Nicolas Gaitan
Benfica
MR/L
24
This little Argentine showed just why the top level of European football were interested by putting in a match-winning performance as Benfica shocked Manchester United earlier in the term. His quick approach play, turn of pace and trickery all stood out in Benfica's Champions League run this year. £25m is said to be what the Portugese side have issued as a starting price, both Manchester sides appear to be going head to head for the former Boca Juniors winger come July and August. There is too strong interest from Germany in the shape of Bayern Munich - Champions League semi-finalists - the lure of the Allianz Arena could prove to strong for a Premier League deal to be struck. Ferguson knows exactly what the man is all about and with have no qualms bringing him to Old Trafford.
Christian Eriksen
Ajax
MC/AMC
20
Again, has shone on this year's European stage as Ajax ran Manchester United dramatically close to an upset in the knockout stages. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is believed to be extremely keen on the previous Danish 'Player' & 'Talent' of the year. When lining up against United he appeared very much comfortable, despite his nationality almost a part of that Ducth elegence and poise on the ball that so many Netherlands playmakers have graced over the years. His eye for a pass and dynamic on the ball means Ferguson will again be interested in rivalling Arsene Wenger's big to solve his ageing midfield while big-spending Spanish club Malaga are understood to be asking questions - with them proving quite a force in their first real 'big money season', a move to the Costa del Sol may be on. Chelsea's £30m bid a couple of months ago really raised the bar in terms of fee, it'll be interesting to see where this one goes.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Schalke 04
FC
28
Which ever way you look around it - with this guy you're guarenteed goals, with at times unnearing finishing - his place on this list is no surprise at all. The lethal Dutch forward has been said recently to have put off any talk of a contract renewal in Germany until after Euro 2012, where he will very much have an eye on leading Holland all the way. Certainly his performances in the friendly with England at Wembley will not have put any of his possible suiters off - dominant in the penalty area and in the air with the astonishing header that flew in. His partnership in and around the box with Raul at Schalke has been formidable and the glorious encounter with Bilbao last month was a perfect showcase the 28 year olds ability. Harry Redknapp was said to be interested in January, United are considering him a replacement for the outbound Dimitar Berbatov - the figure appears around £15m - not break-bank stuff for a definite goal supply.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Hoffenheim
MC/AMC
22
This exciting Icelandic talent was certainly not named 'Player of the season' for Hoffenheim in his first term out in Germany for no reason. It was a fantastically inspired loan deal by Brendan Rodgers to bring the man with the ferocious strike in January for six months. His form, shooting, approach play and final ball have lit up The Liberty Stadium and in fact the whole Premier League - his fine form winning him 'Player of the month' for March. High flying Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has made an enquiry on what first appears the possibility of another bargain capture for the Toon side. Rodgers' Welsh side though would appear to have first choice and the eccepionally low figure of £6m has been cast - it is rather nailed on that not one side in the Premier League, or the whole of Europe - would resist having that rocket of a right leg packed into their midfield.
Juan Manuel Vargas
Fiorentina
DL/WBL/ML
28
This Peruvian wingback has been a mainstay in the Fiorentina side for a good few years now and at times has more than caught the eye with his infamous bounding down the left hand side and ferocious left foot. Arsenal and Kenny Dalglish's Liverpool have been the two sides in recent months to show any real interest, it is known to be a story that always seems to find a way to the gossip column every summer - after four years in Italy now, an English move could be on. Despite Jose Enrique's form at left back, Vargas could more than do a job down any sides left midfield, to hug the touchline and provide extreme width, with a notable eye for a set piece. Arsenal were rumoured to be considering a £10m offer, at that price, with those attributes - a stab in the dark is surely an offer for those English sides really lacking width. At times almost a third forward, team mate Alberto Gilardino claimed him "the best crosser I've ever played with"; Andy Carroll, listen up.
Ricky von Wolfswinkel
Sporting Lisbon
FC
23
It is out of the 'Ridiculous names' article and straight back into the transfer rumours piece for this Dutch forward. von Wolfswinkel was sought after as one of the game's brightest centre forwards at his time with his native FC Utrecht - he eventually got his move into higher European states with Portugese side Sporting, where his prolific goal mouth action certainly has not shied away. The lean, pacy forward is believed to have an £18m buy-out clause on his contract with the Lisbon club that has attracted the attentions of one or two English clubs over the months. Liverpool and Manchester United were first linked with going toe-to-toe in a bid for the young man, before Tottenham appear to be the new English side on the scene holding strong interest. Abroad sniffing from Lazio may pull the forward's mind - he certainly knows he is wanted and has a big chance at an English move.
Jan Verthongen
Ajax
DC
25
Just like Christian Eriksen with him - Ajax's Europe League exertions have done this Belgian centre half no problem with attracting the attentions of numerous European giants. Newcastle have shown a fair bit of interest in April this year, it is however believed that The Emirates of Arsenal could be a distinct possibility with Arsene Wenger known to be an extreme admirer of the way the tough ball-winner can glide forward into attack on the ball. The link with Thomas Vermaelen, too an ex-Ajax defender would certainly help swing the deal the London club's direction - £10m was thrown around last summer - one would imagine the price may have reason a bob or two over the course of this term. The two Manchester clubs have also shown an interest, perhaps a Belgian partnership with Vincent Kompany? - either way, it portrays just how highly-rated the Ajx skipper is. His 21 goals in 146 games isn't half bad for a defender either!
Adil Rami
Valencia
DC
26
Continuing with the defender theme for the final appearence in part 1 of our list is Valencia centre half Adil Rami - who after shining at the heart of a Lille defence in France got his big break in a summer 2011 move to The Mestalla of Valencia. His style is well noted to be rugged but technical, 'Shrek' as he was known by his Lille teammates has caught the eye of some monumental European sides this term. Again Arsene Wenger, presumably under the illusion of his ball playing skills has developed an interest - while it was Manchester United who seized the opportunity when Valencia had the pleasure of visiting Stoke City on a Thurday night by sending their system to watch the French international in action. Following that Europa League fixture figures of nearly £20m were being brought up in the English media, one stumbling block perhaps could be though the apparent competition our English clubs face for his signature - one FC Barcelona.
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