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http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article4116568.ece?token=596963967
Gabriele Marcotti identifies the men who could be on the move this summer
In January I published a list of 50 guys who would be moving either in the winter transfer window or this summer. Fifteen of them have since gone and a fair few others may well do so. Here's an updated list of possible movers ... and, again, let me stress: this is in no particular order.
Read Gabriel Marcotti's January predictions here
50. Ronaldo, 31, AC Milan
His most recent injury means he probably won't be moving this summer, but, at some point, he'll need a new home. And, if he recovers and the price is right, he'll be worth a punt.
49. Stephen Hunt, 27, Reading
With Reading relegated, you would think the hyperactive winger would be on the block. Deserves a place in the top flight.
48. Roque Santa Cruz, 26, Blackburn Rovers
Last season's goalscoring exploits proved that his injuries are behind him once and for all. Could perhaps do a job off the bench for a big club (Manchester United?).
47. Luca Cigarini, 21, Parma
Again, relegation means he'll be heading elsewhere. Gifted playmaking central midfielder with a fiery personality, he has matured tremendously of late.
46. Willy Sagnol, 31, Bayern Munich
Three into two won't go and, in Marcell Jansen and Philipp Lahm, Bayern already have two of the better full backs around. Given his experience, he could be a smart pick-up for someone needing a quick fix.
45. Johan Elmander, 27, Toulouse
The big, versatile late-blooming Swede remains up for sale. He has a big upside and is clearly too big for Toulouse.
44. Miguel Veloso, 22, Sporting Lisbon
Plenty of heart and leadership from this pint-sized Portuguese version of Makelele. Has been linked to Manchester United and looks ready for a move.
43. Roysten Drenthe, 21, Real Madrid
Failed to make the grade at the Bernabeu, but his age and athleticism make him worth a gamble. Can play just about anywhere on the left flank.
42. Diego Buonanotte, 20, River Plate
Tricky pocket-sized forward whose dribbling skills make him something of a human-highlight reel. There are obvious concerns over his lack of size, but his bag of tricks seems endless.
41. David Villa, 26, Valencia
He's entering the prime of his career and is ripe for a move. Offers aplenty both in Spain and England for a pacy, versatile forward who is also one of the most prolific scorers in Europe.
40. David Bentley, 23, Blackburn Rovers
With Mark Hughes gone, the club may want to shuffle the deck a bit and Bentley is the most saleable asset. Has excelled wide, but his future is in the hole, provided he can master the position.
39. Javier Saviola, 26, Real Madrid
Only 11 starts in the past two seasons indicate that it's time for (yet another) change of scenery. The technical arsenal is there, surely he can do a job for someone?
38. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 24, Ajax
87 league goals in 97 starts over the past three seasons. Enough said. It's time for one of the most natural goalscorers in Europe to move to a bigger club.
37. Samuel Eto'o, 27, Barcelona
Injuries have slowed him over the past two seasons and his bum knee is scaring some people off. But Eto'o remains one of the most complete forwards around and one who always delivers goals and workrate.
36.Christopher Samba, 24, Blackburn Rovers
One of the shrewdest signings of the past few seasons. Tall, athletic and tough-as-nails, he's an asset to any team, both as a full back and as a central defender.
35. Ricardo Quaresma, 24, Porto
Perennially linked with moves abroad, this time it could come to fruition given Porto's European ban. The rangy winger can operate on either flank and stretch opposing defences like few others in Europe.
34. Daniel Guiza, 27, Mallorca
Last season's surprise top scorer - 27 goals - in La Liga is looking to cash in with a big move. Took him a long time to get to the top, but will get the job done if he gets proper service.
33. Gokhan Inler, 23, Udinese
A tireless box-to-box dynamo capable of both putting the boot in and popping up with useful runs in the box. He reads the game well and would be an asset to any side.
32. Mario Gomez, 22, Stuttgart
Big, old-school target man who also has some decent technique on the ball. Part of a dying breed or the prototype striker of the next generation? You be the judge.
31. Alberto Aquilani, 23, Roma
Elegant, stylish midfielder who plays with his head and loves to spread the ball around the pitch. Good engine, only concern is injuries, which have slowed his development.
30. Ricardo Carvalho, 30, Chelsea
Recently signed a new contract, but, with his mentor, Jose Mourinho, pitching up at Inter Milan (and looking for central defenders) this one is a no-brainer.
29. Xabi Alonso, 26, Liverpool
A loyal servant for Rafa Benitez, but could soon be surplus to requirements at Anfield. Steady, intelligent and with two good feet, he's a calming influence on any side.
28. Tiago, 27, Juventus
A bust at Juve this year, he's being shopped around. At the right price, he could be a smart signing if you're looking for a busy hard-running holding midfielder.
27. Samir Nasri, 20, Marseille
Comparisons to Zinedine Zidane are both unfair and premature, but the elegant Nasri has a composure and a skill set which does remind you of Zizou.
26. Mancini, 27, Roma
A year left on his contract means the stepover king is available on the cheap. And if you're looking for a guy who consistently beats his man, he's a great piece of business.
25. Joao Moutinho, 21, Sporting Lisbon
It's no coincidence that his team-mates voted him club captain at such a young age. He's a natural leader who can unlock opposing defences with uncanny precision. Already being compared to Deco, potentially far better.
24. Peter Crouch, 27, Liverpool
Doesn't seem to fit into Rafa's plans, but really should find a home somewhere. Whatever one thinks of his pace, his height and body type make him very difficult to play against.
23. Jeremy Menez, 21, Monaco
Already linked with Arsenal, this diamond-in-the-rough is a clever dribbler and passer who needs to find some consistency. Given his age, the upside is tremendous.
22. Alexander Hleb, 27, Arsenal
Has made his willingness to leave very clear to the club and it seems as if it's only a matter of time. A very technical player, he may be better suited to Spanish football.
21. Cristiano Ronaldo, 23, Manchester United
After five years at Old Trafford and having delivered two league titles and a Champions' League crown, he may well be looking for a new challenge (and a better pay cheque). Stay tuned.
Gabriele Marcotti identifies the men who could be on the move this summer
In January I published a list of 50 guys who would be moving either in the winter transfer window or this summer. Fifteen of them have since gone and a fair few others may well do so. Here's an updated list of possible movers ... and, again, let me stress: this is in no particular order.
Read Gabriel Marcotti's January predictions here
50. Ronaldo, 31, AC Milan
His most recent injury means he probably won't be moving this summer, but, at some point, he'll need a new home. And, if he recovers and the price is right, he'll be worth a punt.
49. Stephen Hunt, 27, Reading
With Reading relegated, you would think the hyperactive winger would be on the block. Deserves a place in the top flight.
48. Roque Santa Cruz, 26, Blackburn Rovers
Last season's goalscoring exploits proved that his injuries are behind him once and for all. Could perhaps do a job off the bench for a big club (Manchester United?).
47. Luca Cigarini, 21, Parma
Again, relegation means he'll be heading elsewhere. Gifted playmaking central midfielder with a fiery personality, he has matured tremendously of late.
46. Willy Sagnol, 31, Bayern Munich
Three into two won't go and, in Marcell Jansen and Philipp Lahm, Bayern already have two of the better full backs around. Given his experience, he could be a smart pick-up for someone needing a quick fix.
45. Johan Elmander, 27, Toulouse
The big, versatile late-blooming Swede remains up for sale. He has a big upside and is clearly too big for Toulouse.
44. Miguel Veloso, 22, Sporting Lisbon
Plenty of heart and leadership from this pint-sized Portuguese version of Makelele. Has been linked to Manchester United and looks ready for a move.
43. Roysten Drenthe, 21, Real Madrid
Failed to make the grade at the Bernabeu, but his age and athleticism make him worth a gamble. Can play just about anywhere on the left flank.
42. Diego Buonanotte, 20, River Plate
Tricky pocket-sized forward whose dribbling skills make him something of a human-highlight reel. There are obvious concerns over his lack of size, but his bag of tricks seems endless.
41. David Villa, 26, Valencia
He's entering the prime of his career and is ripe for a move. Offers aplenty both in Spain and England for a pacy, versatile forward who is also one of the most prolific scorers in Europe.
40. David Bentley, 23, Blackburn Rovers
With Mark Hughes gone, the club may want to shuffle the deck a bit and Bentley is the most saleable asset. Has excelled wide, but his future is in the hole, provided he can master the position.
39. Javier Saviola, 26, Real Madrid
Only 11 starts in the past two seasons indicate that it's time for (yet another) change of scenery. The technical arsenal is there, surely he can do a job for someone?
38. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, 24, Ajax
87 league goals in 97 starts over the past three seasons. Enough said. It's time for one of the most natural goalscorers in Europe to move to a bigger club.
37. Samuel Eto'o, 27, Barcelona
Injuries have slowed him over the past two seasons and his bum knee is scaring some people off. But Eto'o remains one of the most complete forwards around and one who always delivers goals and workrate.
36.Christopher Samba, 24, Blackburn Rovers
One of the shrewdest signings of the past few seasons. Tall, athletic and tough-as-nails, he's an asset to any team, both as a full back and as a central defender.
35. Ricardo Quaresma, 24, Porto
Perennially linked with moves abroad, this time it could come to fruition given Porto's European ban. The rangy winger can operate on either flank and stretch opposing defences like few others in Europe.
34. Daniel Guiza, 27, Mallorca
Last season's surprise top scorer - 27 goals - in La Liga is looking to cash in with a big move. Took him a long time to get to the top, but will get the job done if he gets proper service.
33. Gokhan Inler, 23, Udinese
A tireless box-to-box dynamo capable of both putting the boot in and popping up with useful runs in the box. He reads the game well and would be an asset to any side.
32. Mario Gomez, 22, Stuttgart
Big, old-school target man who also has some decent technique on the ball. Part of a dying breed or the prototype striker of the next generation? You be the judge.
31. Alberto Aquilani, 23, Roma
Elegant, stylish midfielder who plays with his head and loves to spread the ball around the pitch. Good engine, only concern is injuries, which have slowed his development.
30. Ricardo Carvalho, 30, Chelsea
Recently signed a new contract, but, with his mentor, Jose Mourinho, pitching up at Inter Milan (and looking for central defenders) this one is a no-brainer.
29. Xabi Alonso, 26, Liverpool
A loyal servant for Rafa Benitez, but could soon be surplus to requirements at Anfield. Steady, intelligent and with two good feet, he's a calming influence on any side.
28. Tiago, 27, Juventus
A bust at Juve this year, he's being shopped around. At the right price, he could be a smart signing if you're looking for a busy hard-running holding midfielder.
27. Samir Nasri, 20, Marseille
Comparisons to Zinedine Zidane are both unfair and premature, but the elegant Nasri has a composure and a skill set which does remind you of Zizou.
26. Mancini, 27, Roma
A year left on his contract means the stepover king is available on the cheap. And if you're looking for a guy who consistently beats his man, he's a great piece of business.
25. Joao Moutinho, 21, Sporting Lisbon
It's no coincidence that his team-mates voted him club captain at such a young age. He's a natural leader who can unlock opposing defences with uncanny precision. Already being compared to Deco, potentially far better.
24. Peter Crouch, 27, Liverpool
Doesn't seem to fit into Rafa's plans, but really should find a home somewhere. Whatever one thinks of his pace, his height and body type make him very difficult to play against.
23. Jeremy Menez, 21, Monaco
Already linked with Arsenal, this diamond-in-the-rough is a clever dribbler and passer who needs to find some consistency. Given his age, the upside is tremendous.
22. Alexander Hleb, 27, Arsenal
Has made his willingness to leave very clear to the club and it seems as if it's only a matter of time. A very technical player, he may be better suited to Spanish football.
21. Cristiano Ronaldo, 23, Manchester United
After five years at Old Trafford and having delivered two league titles and a Champions' League crown, he may well be looking for a new challenge (and a better pay cheque). Stay tuned.
Why ask, can you not look for yourself?
