| Manchester City may not have made it into the Champions League, but that won't stop their hugely ambitious owners from spending big during this summer's transfer window. Real Madrid could well add to their 'Galacticos', Roman Abramovich has signalled his willingness to open his cheque book for Chelsea and the rest of Europe's elite, from Manchester United to Inter Milan, will be eager to bring in new players. Here, are the potential targets that would generate astronomical transfer fees. |
 Fernando TorresThe Liverpool striker has been strongly linked with a move away from Anfield this summer. The on-going off-field turmoil surrounding the club and the continued uncertainty over the future of manager Rafael Benitez have only added to the speculation. Word is that Manchester City are sniffing around, and with a seemingly blank cheque book at their disposal, a fee in excess of £50m is not out of the question. Should Chelsea join the bidding (they are rumoured to be interested), any fee is possible. |
 Will he finally leave Valencia? David Villa has been linked with every club in Europe ever since his defence splitting displays at Euro 2008. Up until this point he's remained true to the club he joined in 2005, but at the age of 28 and at the peak of his career, now could be the moment for him to finally move on. He's prolific at both club and international level and as such would be welcome at any of the major sides. £40m should be enough to tempt cash-strapped Valencia, but a switch to England may not be on the cards. |
 For some time the Atletico Madrid striker has been at the centre of transfer speculation, and this summer could finally see him leave the Spanish outfit. Chelsea are known admirers of the small Argentinean, who is married to the daughter of national coach Diego Maradona. Rumours suggest a bid of around £40m would be needed to pry him from the grip of Madrid's second team. |
 The 32-year-old goalkeeper has long been considered among the elite stoppers in the game. The Juventus and Italy No 1 would be a huge scalp for any side and despite rebuffing interest in the past, he recently voiced his interest in a move to England. With Edwin Van der Sar getting on at United and Arsenal in desperate need for an accomplished stopper, a war could break out for his signature. Any move would likely see the current British transfer record for a goalkeeper (£9m for Craig Gordon) dwarfed. |
 There is little doubt that Arsenal's captain will at some point switch to the Nou Camp. Plucked from Barcelona as a teenager, Fabregas still has a strong affinity with the club while the Catalan side's desire to see him return is huge. Arsenal don't want to lose the 23-year-old, but may have little choice should he decide to move on. It seems only a case of how long can they hold him at the Emirates. Should he decide to leave this summer, a fee in the region of £50m is not out of the question. |
 Despite all of Real Madrid's huge signings last summer, the player to shine this term has been the 22-year-old Argentine. Since joining in 2007, he's scored more than 20 La Liga goals both this season and last. Yet despite his prowess, the competition for a starting place at the Bernabeu means he doesn't get as many chances as he probably deserves. As such, he could be due for a move this summer. Chelsea are reportedly on the case, with a bid upwards of £30m rumoured. |
 In the defensive department, the scalp of the summer would be the signature of David Luiz from Benfica. His performances this season have propelled him into the sight lines of the Premier League and La Liga giants. It's understood that Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all sent scouts to watch him play. The Brazilian is only 23-years-old, but fees in the region of £25m are already being talked about. |
 Pato is another player who's stated his commitment to his club, and AC Milan don't wish to part with the Brazilian. But the 20-year-old is undoubtedly one of most exciting young players on the planet and as such is bound to spark interest from the world's best clubs. It seemed Kaka would never leave the San Siro, but Real's mega bid of £55m changed all that. Could AC Milan be tempted to let another one go? |
 The Bayern Munich winger consistently finds his name going through the rumour mill. His couple of seasons in Germany have been excellent, this season propelling his side to the Champions League final (suspended for the final). It was a surprise that he didn't move on last summer, but this year he seems destined for the exit. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United are just some of the powerhouses to have signalled their interest, potentially sparking a bidding war that could see his fee rise to the region of £50m. |
 The striker himself has no desire to leave Old Trafford, while United would certainly not wish to part with their star asset. But his incredible form this year has seen him targeted by Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. United have decided not to renegotiate his contract until after the World Cup. A successful tournament for England could see any potential transfer fee go through the roof, at least in the region of £60m. Would the Glazers be able to turn down that sort of money? |
Source: The Independent