England Transfer Rumours: 20 Former "Big Four" Players Who May Move This Summer

James WillisAnalyst IMarch 23, 2011

England Transfer Rumours: 20 Former "Big Four" Players Who May Move This Summer

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14:  Didier Drogba of Chelsea sits on the bench during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage on February 14, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
    Scott Heavey/Getty Images

    Despite the famous "Big Four" now having all but disappeared, there are still remnants of the era that remain with each club still capable of attracting huge names.

    This season has been far closer as a whole than many other seasons, and for the first time in a very, very long time each Premier League team has earned at least one point per game after 30 rounds of matches.

    This has left most of the old "Big Four" clubs with some trading to do this summer, with a number of rumours already having surfaced about possible exits.

    This summer could be one of the biggest transfer feasts we've had in years.

Daniel Sturridge

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    BOLTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13:  Daniel Sturridge of Bolton Wanderers celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Bolton Wanderers and Everton at the Reebok Stadium on February 13, 2011 in Bolton, England.  (P
    Alex Livesey/Getty Images

    Age: 21

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Chelsea (on loan at Bolton)

    Possible new club: Bolton (permanent move), Newcastle

    Reason: Since his loan move to Bolton Wanderers, Sturridge has become a key part of the club's push to secure a European place. Newcastle have also shown an interest in bringing in the player full time after losing Andy Carroll.

John Terry

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    ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: John Terry speaks to the media during the England press conference ahead of their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Wales, at London Colney on March 22, 2011 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
    Michael Regan/Getty Images

    Age: 30

    Position: Centre Back

    Current club: Chelsea

    Possible new club: Tottenham

    Reason: Now at first glance this looks quite ridiculous, but Terry is gradually getting past his prime and rumours have suggested that Chelsea are preparing a squad overhaul this summer. Put that together with his and Harry Redknapp's past together at West Ham, and it it looks slightly more realistic suddenly.

Didier Drogba

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    SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 01:  Didier Drogba of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on February 1, 2011 in Sunderland, England.  (Photo by Scott Heavey/Getty Image
    Scott Heavey/Getty Images

    Age: 30

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Chelsea

    Possible new club: Marseille

    Reason: Having struggled to find form again since his return from a bout with Malaria, many people are predicting that Drogba is past his best, and perhaps a transfer away from Chelsea is what it would take to reinvigorate his career one final time.

Frank Lampard

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20:  Frank Lampard of Chelsea is tackled by Nigel de Jong of Manchester City during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on March 20, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Michael R
    Michael Regan/Getty Images

    Age: 32

    Position: Midfield

    Current club: Chelsea

    Possible new club: Tottenham / Elsewhere

    Reason: There are no prominent rumours suggesting where Lampard could leave to, but with Harry Redknapp being his uncle, there may always be a space open for him at Tottenham. While any move for Lampard looks unlikely it could still happen if Chelsea go through with their Summer clear out.

Jose Bosingwa

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    BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20:  Jose Bosingwa of Chelsea falls under the challenge by Liam Ridgewell of Birmingham City during the Barclays Premier League match between Birmingham City and Chelsea at St Andrews on November 20, 2010 in Birmingham, Engl
    Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

    Age: 28

    Position: Right Back

    Current club: Chelsea

    Possible new club: Juventus

    Reason: Jose Bosingwa has never really been the most integral part of the Chelsea team and were Juventus to bid for him as has been rumoured, then there's a good chance that Chelsea would accept a fair price as he should be replaceable enough.

Dimitar Berbatov

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    MARSEILLE, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 23:  Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United is challenged by  Souleymane Diawara of Marseille during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Marseille and Manchester United at the Stade Velodrome on Februa
    Michael Regan/Getty Images

    Age: 30

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Manchester United

    Possible new club: Bayern Munich

    Reason: As the Premier League's top scorer so far this season you'd think Manchester United would want to hold on to Berbatov, but following some contract talks being held up, rumours have surfaced that a summer move away from the club may be in line. Bayern Munich appear to be the favourite suitors, monitoring the situation closely.

Michael Owen

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    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09:  Michael Owen of Manchester United looks on during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 3rd round match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 9, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Get
    Alex Livesey/Getty Images

    Age: 31

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Manchester United

    Possible new club: Aston Villa / Newcastle Jets / MLS club

    Reason: With Owen not getting as many starts at Manchester United, there are now rumours that he may move on elsewhere to give his career one last boost. Aston Villa are rumoured to still be interested with Gerard Houllier looking for a reunion, while Australian side Newcastle Jets are also monitoring the opportunity to make him one of their marquee players.

Danny Welbeck

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    SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18:  Danny Wellbeck of Sunderland celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Bolton Wanderers at Stadium of Light on December 18, 2010 in Sunderland, England.  (Photo by Matthew Lewis
    Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

    Age: 20

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Manchester United (on loan at Sunderland)

    Possible new club: Sunderland (permanent transfer)

    Reason: Welbeck has been on top form for Sunderland since Darren Bent's departure, and the club may now be looking for someone like him to fill in alongside Asamoah Gyan more permanently. Money may be a problem in this transfer, especially if Ferguson sells Owen and Berbatov as well. Either way it's definitely a realistic possibility this summer.

Patrice Evra

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01:  Patrice Evra of Manchester United in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on March 1, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
    Clive Mason/Getty Images

    Age: 29

    Position: Left Back

    Current club: Manchester United

    Possible new club: Real Madrid

    Reason: Rumours have been circulating of this move for quite some time but nothing has materialised as of yet. However, with Fabio Da Silva looking a very promising prospect at left back, perhaps United are finally ready to let Evra go. A big enough offer from Real Madrid would surely be tempting for the club as well.

Tomasz Kuszczak

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19:  Tomasz Kuszczak of Manchester United directs his defence during the Barclays Premier League match between Fulham and Manchester United at Craven Cottage on December 19, 2009 in London, England.  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Im
    Phil Cole/Getty Images

    Age: 29

    Position: Goalkeeper

    Current club: Manchester United

    Possible new club: Wigan Athletic

    Reason: With United looking to replace Van der Sar after his impending retirement, the club are also likely to offload Kuszczak in a goalkeeping overhaul. Anders Lindegaard should be ready to play back up to whoever is signed to replace Van der Sar, while Ben Amos looks to have enough potential and ability to act as a third choice goalkeeper.

Cesc Fabregas

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    BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08:  Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal leaves the field at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Barcelona and Arsenal at the Nou Camp Stadium on March 8, 2011 in Barcelona, Spain.  (Photo by Shaun Botte
    Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

    Age: 23

    Position: Midfield

    Current club: Arsenal

    Possible new club: Barcelona / Real Madrid

    Reason: Both Spanish giants are expected to fight it out for Fabregas again this summer, and another season without silverware could prove enough for the World Cup winner to finally leave. Barcelona have been interested in Fabregas for a long time, pretty much since he left them to join Arsenal in the first place. This saga looks to continue this summer.

Samir Nasri

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30:  Samir Nasri of Arsenal goes past Gary Roberts of Huddersfield during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON fourth round match between Arsenal and Huddersfield Town at The Emirates Stadium on January 30, 2011 in London, England.  (Pho
    Clive Mason/Getty Images

    Age: 23

    Position: Attacking Midfield

    Current club: Arsenal

    Possible new club: Barcelona

    Reason: Rumours suggest that if Barcelona can't get their hands on Cesc Fabregas then they'll go straight for another Arsenal star in Samir Nasri. This news surfaced in January and while it is not known how much truth there is in the rumour, there's a realistic possibility it could happen provided the offer is big enough.

Gael Clichy

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    LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - MARCH 02:  Gael Clichy of Arsenal scores his sides fifth goal during the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON 5th Round Replay match between between Arsenal and Leyton Orient at the Emirates Stadium on March 2, 2011 in London, England.  (Phot
    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    Age: 25

    Position: Left Back

    Current club: Arsenal

    Possible new club: Real Madrid

    Reason: If Real Madrid cannot get their hands on Patrice Evra, they may well revive their interest in Gael Clichy. The fact that his contract negotiations have stalled, has set Real Madrid on alert as there is a new possibility for his signing. Clichy has said he will wait until the summer to decide his future, and whether that remains at the Emirates Stadium or not.

Nicklas Bendtner

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05:  Nicklas Bendtner of Arsenal shows his disappointment at the final whistle during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on March 5, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Paul Gilham/
    Paul Gilham/Getty Images

    Age: 23

    Position: Striker

    Current club: Arsenal

    Possible new club: Borussia Dortmund / Hamburg

    Reason: The recent revival of the Bundesliga has raised the profile of a number of German clubs and therefore a number of more well known players could be heading their way in the near future. If rumours are true, Nicklas Bendtner could be looking to move back into Europe as opposed to another English club, with both Hamburg and Dortmund rumoured to be interested.

Andrey Arshavin

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 05:  Andrey Arshavin of Arsenal reacta during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on March 5, 2011 in London, England.  (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
    Paul Gilham/Getty Images

    Age: 29

    Position: Attacking Midfield

    Current club: Arsenal

    Possible new club: Inter Milan

    Reason: With Mourinho gone and Inter having struggled since, the club are looking to change things up a bit and start a fresh. One of the rumours that has come out of this is a rumoured interest in Andrey Arshavin. The Russian was off form early in the season and despite being better recently, could well be on his way out of the Emirates.

Jose "Pepe" Reina

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    LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27:  Pepe Reina goalkeeper of Liverpool fails to stop the shot of Scott Parker of West Ham during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground on February 27, 2011 in London, Engla
    Scott Heavey/Getty Images

    Age: 28

    Position: Goalkeeper

    Current club: Liverpool

    Possible new club: Manchester United

    Reason: One of the many candidates to replace Edwin van der Sar at Manchester United, Reina is a very capable goalkeeper who would keep United in safe hands. It's seen as a cardinal offence in Merseyside to leave Liverpool to join United, but Reina has publicly admitted his would be open to the switch if the offer was there.

Alberto Aquilani

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    TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 13:  Alberto Aquilani of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and FC Internazionale Milano at Olimpico Stadium on February 13, 2011 in Turin, Italy.  (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
    Claudio Villa/Getty Images

    Age: 26

    Position: Midfield

    Current club: Liverpool (on loan at Juventus)

    Possible new club: Juventus (permanent transfer)

    Reason: One of the most likely moves on this list, Aquilani has endured a torrid time at Anfield while having a far better time on loan at Juventus. The move looks pretty much certain as Liverpool could do with the money, and Juventus could do with the player. There's very little reason it wouldn't happen, with Aquilani's own representative admitting a deal was close.

Joe Cole

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    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15:  Joe Cole of Liverpool is challenged by Gianluca Nijholt of FC Utrecht during the UEFA Europa League Group K match between Liverpool and FC Utrecht at Anfield on December 15, 2010 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Clint H
    Clint Hughes/Getty Images

    Age: 29

    Position: Winger / Attacking Midfield

    Current club: Liverpool

    Possible new club: Tottenham

    Reason: Another failed signing for Liverpool and another player rumoured with Harry Radknapp at White Hart Lane. It's sometimes hard to take most rumours linked with Tottenham seriously, but if any midfielder was likely to be snapped up by Redknapp it would be Joe Cole. The pair were together at West Ham and may see a reunion this summer.

Glen Johnson

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    LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16:  Liverpool Manager Kenny Dalglish issues instructions to Glen Johnson during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on January 16, 2011 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Alex Livesey/Get
    Alex Livesey/Getty Images

    Age: 26

    Position: Full Back

    Current club: Liverpool

    Possible new club: Tottenham

    Reason: Another player linked with Spurs this summer, Glen Johnson has also had links with Harry Redknapp in the past through both their times at Portsmouth. It is rumoured that Johnson has fallen out with Kenny Dalglish, and could therefore be open to a move to Spurs who are no doubt looking to strengthen in their full backs positions.

Paul Konchesky

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    NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05:  Paul Konchesky of Nottingham Forest in action during the npower Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Watford at City Ground on February 5, 2011 in Nottingham, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Ima
    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    Age: 29

    Position: Left Back

    Current club: Liverpool (on loan at Nottingham Forest)

    Possible new club: Fulham

    Reason: In another disastrous signing for Liverpool, Paul Konchesky could be offered a swift return back to Fulham having disappointed at Anfield. Significant interest from Anfield in players such as Jose Enrique and Stephen Warnock has suggested that the Merseyside club are ready to offload Konchesky as soon as possible, even if it is just for a small percentage of the amount they paid for him.

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