With the European Championships and the Olympic Games dominating sports pages this summer, it is easy to forget that English club managers are still scanning the market to find the next star of the Premier League. If you are gullible enough to believe the rumours that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading our way then this article probably isn't for you. Instead it focuses on more 'realistic' rumours, consisting of my top six players I'd like to see grace our pitches.
Yann M'Villa - My list starts with a young French prodigy hailed as the new Patrick Vieira. And if the rumours are true in that he is close to signing for Arsenal, the 21 year old could live up to the impressive comparison. Standing at 6ft and strong in the tackle, the defensive midfielder is made for English football. In addition to the ball winning ability he is renowned for, M'Villa also has great vision, being able to consistently provide assists for his teammates in France. However, if Arsene Wenger is serious about investing in the Rennes midfielder he will have to reach deep into his pockets to match the high asking price, reportedly around £17m.
Jan Vertonghen - Having been in the midst of a transfer saga involving Tottenham Hotspur for the last month, it now appears likely that the Belgian centre-half will be moving to London in the near future. Although his destination has not been confirmed, with Spurs' rivals Arsenal also interested in gaining his signature. The competition for the current Ajax captain does not come as a surprise considering his abilities. Young, brave and composed when in possession are what have attracted the eyes of so many scouts in the last few years. However, after interest from major European clubs in the past, the defender opted to stay in Amsterdam to achieve more. And his decision appears to be paying off as Vertonghen collected two consecutive Eredivisie winners medals as well as being named Eredivisie Player of the Year last season.
Mats Hummels - Another defender with a growing reputation is Germany's Mats Hummels. After being deemed surplus to requirements whilst at Bayern Munich, the now 25 year old opted to join Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund. The transfer revived his career as he has since gone on to become Germany's first choice centre back. Amid transfer rumours that he was being scouted by Liverpool and both Manchester clubs, Hummels has recently signed a new contract with Dortmund, committing himself to the German Champions until 2017, although do not expect this to derail clubs' interest.
Olivier Giroud - The French striker, believed by his club to be "too big for the teams interested in him", has become one of the hottest properties on the market after an impressive season in Ligue 1, finishing with 21 goals for Montpellier as his side were crowned champions. If the Frenchman has an impressive campaign in Poland and Ukraine this summer then his value is sure to rocket. Before striking gold with Papiss Cisse, Newcastle were rumoured to be interested in acquiring his talents, whilst Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham have also shown a keen interest. A move to one of Europe's top clubs could be a step to early for Giroud, who would perhaps suit a 'top six' team in a more competitive league than Ligue 1.
Guillermo Ochoa - In recent years Mexico have produced exceptional young players from Giovanni Dos Santos to Javier Hernandez. Yet the talents of Ochoa could eclipse them all. Having spent the entire of his early career in Mexico with Club America, the young goalkeeper caught the attention of several leading clubs' scouts, eventually linking him to Manchester United and Liverpool. Although somewhat surprisingly, the 26 year old resisted these callings and later opted to sign for recently promoted French side Ajaccio. His incredible abilities were clear to see as he was voted Ajaccio's Player of the Year in his first season with the club. Bigger and better things are destined for this extraordinary talented keeper.
Mamadou Sakho - The final player making up my top six is PSG's young defender Sakho. After increasing his reputation in France with some impressive displays, Sakho has since gone on to become an integral part of the French national squad as Laurent Blanc looks to the future. Perhaps his biggest compliment is depriving the experienced Uruguayan defender Lugano to a place in PSG's starting 11. It is no wonder then his compatriot and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been linked to him in recent years, as he has all the top qualities needed to succeed in England. However, the young man from Paris was unfortunate not to be selected in the national squad for Euro 2012. But as he is still only 22 his best days are surely ahead of him.
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