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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg, Jonny Weeks and Steven Bloor

Europe's top 50 transfer targets for summer 2012 – in pictures

transfer targets2: Lille's french midfielder Eden Hazard co
Eden Hazard – Attacking midfielder, Lille
Age 21
Price £40m
The Belgian has had an outstanding season in France, contributing 20 goals and 15 assists for Lille. In what is likely to be his final game for the club, he scored a hat-trick against Nancy, before frustrating everybody by refusing to reveal where he would be playing his football next season, although it is likely to be in Manchester
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid
Photograph: Denis Charlet/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Kashiwa Reysol v Santos - FIFA Club World Cup Semi Final
Neymar – Striker, Santos
Age 20
Price £40m
The highly-coveted Brazilian was named the South American Footballer of the Year in December and led Santos to the final of the Fifa Club World Cup, where they lost 4-0 to Barcelona. He is thought to favour a move to Barcelona ahead of their rivals Real Madrid
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Real Madrid
Photograph: Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
transfer targets2: Schalke's Greek defender Kyriakos Papado
Shinji Kagawa – Attacking midfielder, Borussia Dortmund
Age 23
Price £20m
The Japanese attacker has had another excellent season for Borussia Dortmund, and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched him star in the German Cup final win over Bayern Munich
Who might be after him: Manchester United
Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: VfB Stuttgart v Borussia Dortmund  - Bundesliga
Mario Götze - Attacking midfielder, Borussia Dortmund
Age 19
Price £35m
The highly-rated youngster recently signed a new contract at Dortmund, but could be tempted by an offer from England or Spain
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid
Photograph: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie – Striker, Arsenal
Age 28
Price £30m
The Dutchman scored 37 goals for Arsenal last season, but is yet to commit to a new contract. With only one year left on his current deal, Arsenal are desperate for their captain to put pen to paper – if he doesn’t, he will have plenty of suitors, both in England and abroad
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City, Real Madrid
Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Real Madrid CF v Bayern Muenchen - UEFA Champions League Semi Final
Kaká – Attacking midfielder, Real Madrid
Age 30
Price £20m
The Brazilian has struggled with injuries during his time in Madrid and he is lower down the pecking order than Mesut Özil. After three fitful years in Spain, he could decide to leave
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Málaga, Milan, PSG
Photograph: Jasper Juinen/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Higuain
Gonzalo Higuaín – Striker, Real Madrid
Age 24
Price £30m
The Argentinian had another productive season in front of goal for Real Madrid, but José Mourinho tends to prefer Karim Benzema up front in the big games. Manchester City is one possible destination
Who might be after him: Juventus, Manchester City, Milan, PSG
Photograph: Cesar Manso/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Chelsea's Ivorian forward Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba – Striker, Chelsea
Age 34
Price Free transfer
Didier Drogba's final act in a Chelsea shirt was to score the penalty that won them their first ever Champions League. With that milestone achieved, the Ivorian has decided to leave Stamford Bridge. A big-money move to China looks likely, but there will be plenty of big clubs around Europe looking to snap him up
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Marseille, PSG, Shanghai Shenhua
Photograph: John Macdougall/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Chelsea v Leicester City - FA Cup Sixth Round
Fernando Torres – Striker, Chelsea
Age 28
Price £25m
The Spaniard has mostly struggled at Stamford Bridge, although he has improved lately, and could be set to leave this summer after being named on the bench in the Champions League final
Who might be after him: Atlético Madrid, Málaga, PSG
Photograph: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
transfer targets2: Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suare
Luis Suárez – Striker, Liverpool
Age 25
Price £40m
After a difficult season in England, the Uruguayan may look to move abroad. Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could sway his decision
Who might be after him: Inter, PSG, Real Madrid
Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League
Martin Skrtel – Defender, Liverpool
Age 27
Price £15m
The defender, ahem, right, is thought to be unsettled by Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League
Who might be after him: Juventus, Milan, PSG
Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Inter Milan's Dutch midfielder Wesley Sn
Wesley Sneijder – Attacking midfielder, Inter
Age 27
Price £20m
Inter are not in the Champions League next season and he was close to leaving last summer
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United
Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Edin Dzeko – Striker, Manchester City
Age 26
Price £20m
Despite scoring City’s second goal against QPR on the final day of the season, Roberto Mancini is said to be ready to allow the Bosnian to leave. After Mario Gomez’s waywardness in the Champions League final, Bayern could be tempted
Who might be after him: Bayern Munich, Milan
Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Tottenham Hotspur's Welsh defender Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale – Left-winger, Tottenham Hotspur
Age 22
Price £50m
Tottenham may struggle to hold on to the Welshman without Champions League football next season – many clubs will be after him this summer
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG
Photograph: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets2: Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City - Premier League
Luka Modric – Midfielder, Tottenham Hotspur
Age 26
Price £40m
Like Bale, the diminutive Croatian may be convinced to leave Tottenham for a club in the Champions League. He nearly left last summer and Manchester United could do with his creativity in midfield
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City
Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
transfer targets: Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao - UEFA Europa League Final
Radamel Falcao – Striker, Atlético Madrid
Age 26
Price £40m
The striker has only spent one season in Spain but caught the eye with his match-winning display in the Europa League final
Who might be after him: Chelsea
Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
transfer targets: Porto s Brazilian forward
Hulk – Striker, Porto
Age 25
Price £30m
After four years at Porto, the powerful Brazilian has been linked with Chelsea repeatedly this season
Who might be after him: Chelsea
Photograph: AFP/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets: Rennes' French midfielder Yann M'Vila (C
Yann M’Vila – Midfielder, Rennes
Age 21
Price £15m
The defensive midfielder is said to be close to joining Arsenal, who need to tighten up defensively
Who might be after him: Arsenal
Photograph: Damien Meyer/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets: Napoli's Huruguayan forward Edinson Robe
Edinson Cavani – Striker, Napoli
Age 25
Price £40m
The Uruguayan impressed for Napoli in the Champions League, particularly against Chelsea and Manchester City, but the Neopolitans are not in next year’s competition
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester City
Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets: Napoli's Argentine forward Ezequiel Ivan
Ezequiel Lavezzi – Striker, Napoli
Age 27
Price £25m
The tricky Argentinian may be looking for a new challenge and has indicated he a desire for a move away from Napoli, who are not in the Champions League next season
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester City
Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images
transfer targets: Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham - Premier League
Emmanuel Adebayor – Striker, Manchester City
Age 28
Price £15m
There is no place for the Togolese at Manchester City, who spent last season on loan at Tottenham. Harry Redknapp will probably want to take him to White Hart Lane again, but would he favour a permanent move somewhere?
Who might be after him: Milan, Tottenham
Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images
transfer targets: Blackburn Rovers v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League
Junior Hoilett – Winger, Blackburn Rovers
Age 21
Price £10m
The Canadian youngster was a rare positive for Blackburn in their disastrous season. After relegation from the Premier League, Blackburn will certainly lose Hoilett, who scored seven goals last season.
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham
Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
transfer targets: Fulham v Wigan Athletic - Premier League
Victor Moses – Winger, Wigan Athletic
Age 21
Price £10m
The former Crystal Palace player improved immeasurably as the season progressed, adding goals and assist to his undoubted talent. A strong dribbler who is blessed with pace and skill, Wigan will be braced for big bids for him
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham
Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Club Brugge vs RSC Anderlecht - Jupiler League
Matias Suárez – Forward, Anderlecht
Age 24
Price £7m
The Argentinian forward scored 19 goals for Anderlecht last season, becoming the side’s key player after the sale of Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea. He is uncapped by Argentina, but could be a cheap option for Arsenal
Who might be after him: Arsenal
Photograph: Photonews/Photonews via Getty Images
Transfer targets: Montpellier soccer team member Giroud holds their French Champions Cup
Olivier Giroud – Striker, Montpellier
Age 25
Price £18m
The French forward, above centre, scored 25 goals last season to help Montpellier to the league title. His form has earned him a call-up to the France side and there will be a few clubs looking to nab him from the French champions
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool
Photograph: Pascal Parrot/Reuters
Transfer targets: Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov – Striker, Manchester United
Age 31
Price £12m
The Bulgarian is deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and has been told he can leave. Would former club Tottenham be interested or could a return to Germany be on the cards?
Who might be after him: Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Schalke, Tottenham
Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente
Fernando Llorente – Striker, Athletic Bilbao
Age 27
Price £35m
The forward was a key member of Athletic’s journey to the Europa League final and the Basques will no doubt be offered massive fees for him. A good Euro 2012 for Spain may send his value skywards
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid
Photograph: Felix Ausin Ordonez /Reuters
transfer targets: Montpellier's French midfielder Younes B
Younès Belhanda – Attacking midfielder, Montpellier
Age 22
Price £15m
The Moroccan was a key figure in Montpellier’s league title triumph and has attracted interest from England
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City
Photograph: Boris Horvat/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Rafael da Silva duels for the ball with Iker Muniain
Iker Muniain – Forward, Athletic Bilbao
Age 19
Price £20m
It may be difficult to tempt the Spanish youngster away from Athletic Bilbao, but his impressive displays in the Europa League will mean they have a fight on their hands to keep him
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Málaga, Manchester United
Photograph: Luis Tejido/EPA
Transfer targets: Sporting CP's forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel
Ricky van Wolfswinkel – Striker, Sporting Lisbon
Age 23
Price £15m
The Dutch striker scored 25 goals as Sporting made it to the semi-final of the Europa League. Capable of dropping deep and shooting from long range, he would be a useful addition for a number of sides
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham
Photograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Inter Milan's forward Diego Alberto Milito
Diego Milito – Striker, Inter
Age 32
Price £5m
The man who scored both of Inter’s goals in the 2010 Champions League final, he would be a canny addition for any side in need of a new striker. Although he is the wrong side of 30, he remains a sharp striker and may be looking to leave Inter given they are not in the Champions League
Who might be after him: Liverpool, Juventus, Málaga, Tottenham
Photograph: Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Hertha Berlin's Mijatovic and Janker, Borussia Dortmund's Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski – Striker, Borussia Dortmund
Age 23
Price £25m
The speedy Poland striker fitted Dortmund’s counter-attacking style perfectly last season and his instinctive winner against Bayern Munich all but sealed the Bundesliga title. Dortmund will be desperate to hold on to him, but could they be tempted by a big offer?
Who might be after him: Manchester United, Tottenham
Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters
Transfer targets: Michu of Rayo Vallecano
Michu – Attacking midfielder, Rayo Vallecano
Age 26
Price £10m
The Spanish midfielder starred for newly-promoted Rayo, but would they be able to resist if a big club came calling?
Who might be after him: Manchester United
Photograph: J.J. Guillen/EPA
Transfer targets: Roberto Soldado
Roberto Soldado – Striker, Valencia
Age 26
Price £25m
Valencia tend to sell at least one of their star players and each summer and who better fits the bill than a player who scored 27 goals last season? A good Euro 2012 for Spain may hasten his departure
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Liverpool, Málaga, Tottenham
Photograph: Foto Huebner/dpa/corbis
Transfer targets: Valencia's midfielder Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba – Left-back, Valencia
Age 23
Price £20m
The Spaniard has been in flying form for Valencia and Spain, and Barcelona need a new left-back. He could fit the bill. Manchester United are also said to be interested
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Manchester United
Photograph: Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Nicolas Gaitan of Benfica vies with Guillaume Gillet of Anderlecht
Nicolás Gaitán – Winger, Benfica
Age 24
Price £25m
The winger, suited to a role on the left, caught the eye for Benfica in the Champions League and has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Who might be after him: Manchester United
Photograph: Luis Forra/EPA
Transfer targets: Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao
Javi Martínez – Defender, Athletic Bilbao
Age 23
Price £25m
Originally a midfielder, he has been converted into a centre-back by Marcelo Bielsa this season and helped his side reach the Europa League final. Elegant and classy, he would be a brilliant signing for any side
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid
Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Guyon Fernandez of Feyenoord, Jan Vertonghen of Ajax
Jan Vertonghen – Defender, Ajax
Age 25
Price £15m
The Belgian centre-back has helped Ajax to two league titles in two years. If he joins Arsenal he could link up with Thomas Vermaelen, although he appears to be set on a move to Tottenham
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Tottenham
Photograph: VI-Images via Getty Images
Transfer targets: Villarreal's forward Nilmar
Nilmar – Striker, Villarreal
Age 27
Price £12m
The Brazilian has been troubled by injuries this season, but with Villarreal having been relegated from La Liga, he represents a bargain. Tricky, fast and a cool finisher
Who might be after him: Galatasaray, Málaga, Valencia, Tottenham
Photograph: Jose Jordan/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets:  Real Sociedad's midfielder Antoine Griezmann celebrates
Antoine Griezmann – Winger, Real Sociedad
Age 21
Price £12m
An exciting winger, the French youngster has been a revelation for Real Sociedad. Known for his skill, pace and dribbling, he could be a shrewd signing
Who might be after him: Liverpool, Manchester United
Photograph: Juan Herrero/EPA
Transfer targets: David Luiz
David Luiz – Defender, Chelsea
Age – 25
Price £30m
The Brazilian struggled in defence for Chelsea in the first half of the season, but improved gradually and excelled in the Champions League final. However he could be tempted by interest from Barcelona
Who might be after him: Barcelona
Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the Guardian
Transfer targets: Fulham's Clint Dempsey celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game
Clint Dempsey – Forward, Fulham
Age 29
Price £15m
The American had a brilliant season for Fulham, scoring 23 goals for the west Londoners, who may struggle to keep a player who can play through the middle or on the flanks. Manchester United are keeping an eye on him, but could a move to Italy appeal?
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Manchester United, Roma
Photograph: Nigel French/PA
Transfer targets: Benfica's midfielder Axel Witsel
Axel Witsel – Midfielder, Benfica
Age 23
Price £12m
The Belgian midfielder had a fine first season in Portugal but that may just prompt a move elsewhere. Manchester United need a new midfielder, while Chelsea have shown an interest in a player they faced in the Champions League
Who might be after him: Chelsea, Manchester United
Photograph: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Lazio's Anderson Carvalho Hernanes celebrates after scoring
Hernanes – Attacking midfielder, Lazio
Age 26
Price £15m
Neat and tidy in possession, the Brazilian is a good passer and has a powerful, accurate shot. Lazio missed out on Champions League football which could lead to his departure, although he has not quite lived up to his early promise yet
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Juventus
Photograph: Ettore Ferrari/EPA
Transfer targets: Demba Ba
Demba Ba – Striker, Newcastle United
Age 27
Price £7m
The Newcastle striker, who scored 16 goals last season, has a release clause in his contract that interested clubs may trigger. However they may be put off by his poor form in front of goal in the second half of season, plus his troublesome knee
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham
Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images
Transfer targets: Cheik Tioté
Cheik Tioté – Midfielder, Newcastle
Age 25
Price £15m
The midfielder has been a revelation in his two seasons at Newcastle, but his performances are likely to attract suitors. Without Champions League football, could Newcastle convince him to stay? Tough and combative, he would strengthen any Premier League midfield
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Chelsea
Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images
Transfer targets: Anatolyi Tymoshchuk challenges Gylfi Sigurdsson
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Midfielder, Hoffenheim
Age 22
Price £10m
The Icelandic midfielder impressed while on loan at Swansea City, but the Welsh side will probably not be able to sign him on a permanent basis given how excellent he was. Sigurdsson could either stay in Germany, or move to a big Premier League side
Who might be after him: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Tottenham
Photograph: Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images
Transfer targets:  Jordan Henderson of Liverpool and Leighton Baines of Everton tussle
Leighton Baines – Left-back, Everton
Age 27
Price £10m
The left-back had another fine season, defending well and scoring five goals from left-back for Everton. Bayern Munich have been linked in the past, while Manchester United are known admirers
Who might be after him: Manchester United, Bayern Munich
Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/The FA via Getty Images
Transfer targets: Thiago Silva of AC Milan is challenged by Arturo Vidal of Juventus FC
Thiago Silva – Defender, Milan
Age 27
Price £25m
Barcelona have been linked with the Brazilian, who scored at Camp Nou in September, since last summer and with Milan having failed to win anything this season, he may decide it is time to move on
Who might be after him: Barcelona, Manchester City
Photograph: Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images
Transfer targets: Manchester City's striker Carlos Tevez heads the ball
Carlos Tevez – Striker, Manchester City
Age 28
Price £30m
Despite returning to Manchester City for the run-in, it would not be a surprise if he tries to leave again this summer. While he talks about wanting to be closer to Argentina, a move to a club on the continent could be on the cards – especially if City do sign Robin van Persie
Who might be after him: Inter, Juventus, Málaga, Milan, PSG
Photograph: Ian Kington/AFP/Getty Images
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