The World Cup provides the perfect stage for players to shine and grab the limelight. With high-profile managers and sport directors looking on, many will use the opportunity to earn a big deal elsewhere. Here, Daily Mail Sport highlights an XI of stars who could be on the move…
EMILIANO MARTINEZ (Argentina)
The 33-year-old goalkeeper and Argentina cult favourite almost forced a move to Manchester United last summer and is now keen to join Juventus, who have spoken to his agents. However, they have still to agree a fee with his club Aston Villa, who have Japan’s Zion Suzuki and England’s James Trafford on their shortlist.
GUELA DOUE (Ivory Coast)
The elder brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France winger Desire, Guela, 23, is an attack-minded right-back who plays for Strasbourg. Everton and Newcastle United are among his admirers, though David Moyes may yet plump for more Premier League experience.
Guela Doue celebrates Ivory Coast’s World Cup warm-up win over France last week
MAXENCE LACROIX (France)
As with Josko Gvardiol, Ricardo Calafiori and Nico Schlotterbeck, Lacroix has been discussed by Real Madrid after an excellent season with Crystal Palace. Arsenal and Manchester United are also among admirers of the 26-year-old who is at a stand-off in contract talks at Selhurst Park.
MARC CUCURELLA (Spain)
The 27-year-old has been vocal about not being content at Chelsea following Enzo Maresca’s departure. Manchester City and United are among his admirers but Atletico Madrid are doing the majority of the courting while Barcelona also hold interest. Atletico believe Chelsea would sell for around £40m but he has three years left on contract.
Marc Cucurella made 50 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season
AYYOUB BOUADDI (Morocco)
Arsenal, indeed all top European clubs, have an appreciation of Bouaddi but that will be reflected in Lille’s valuation of around £60m for the 18-year-old defensive midfielder. Studying for a maths degree, which he says helps decision-making on the pitch, Bouaddi changed allegiance from France to opt for Morocco at the World Cup and is tipped for a bright future.
TYLER ADAMS (USA)
The hugely industrious midfielder has plenty of admirers. Manchester United have recognised his output as analysts point to stats that in some respects compare to, or better, those of Manchester City’s Rodri. United have continued to monitor as they assess targets, Liverpool’s Andoni Iraola is an advocate while Chelsea retain interest.
Former Leeds man Tyler Adams is of interest to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea
ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER (Argentina)
As Daily Mail Sport reported in April, it’s not just Curtis Jones who could depart Liverpool this summer but Alexis Mac Allister too. On the back of a poor season by his standards the 27-year-old may find himself sacrificed by the club to fund new blood coming into the club. He has two years left but no talks are planned over a new deal.
MORGAN ROGERS (England)
Aston Villa have no desire to sell but suitors such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich believe £80m could prompt negotiations for the in-demand 23-year-old. Middlesbrough hold a 20pc sell-on clause which will also be factored into the profit margin.
YAN DIOMANDE (Ivory Coast)
Liverpool’s prime target for the summer, Diomande is renowned for the speed he can run with the ball which can often be clocked at 22.6mph. RB Leipzig want at least £80m for the 19-year-old flyer and PSG are also on his trail. It is a huge turnaround for the teenager who had trials in Scotland, plus Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Yan Diomande scored 12 goals and added nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term
IBRAHIM MAZA (Algeria)
Berlin-born forward or playmaker joined Bayer Leverkusen after the Xabi Alonso era but is on Chelsea’s radar this summer as well as Tottenham’s, and Arsenal’s. The 20-year-old impressed against Manchester City in the Champions League and while far from prolific, as he often plays deeper, is a real workhorse appreciated by those alongside him. Clever, good at finding space and smart passer of the ball.
MATIAS FERNANDEZ-PARDO (Belgium)
Another exciting prospect from Lille, the 21-year-old can play across the frontline and that fluid style is attracting Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Another who pleases the analysts with his shooting percentage statistics and ability to play on either wing or centrally.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a versatile forward who has plenty of Premier League suitors
