Big names set for summer moves, The Mail on Sunday

Some big names are expected to be on the move this summer as the Barclays Premiership's top clubs prepare for next season's title challenge.
No club can match Chelsea's financial muscle so the champions-in-waiting will claim first pick on most targets, while Arsenal and Manchester United feed on the scraps from Jose Mourinho's table.

Here we examine eight players who are likely to be the subject of intense transfer speculation over the coming months.



Steven Gerrard
Chelsea have already signed up the Liverpool captain according to some reports and despite claims he has begun negotiations for a new contract at Anfield, Gerrard's switch to the Premiership leaders appears inevitable.

A good run in the Champions League and busy summer in the transfer market could persuade him to stay on Merseyside, however.

Destination: Chelsea
Price: ?30million
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Patrick Vieira

The driving force behind Arsenal for so long, Vieira may finally be on his way out after a massively disappointing season. A high profile move to Real Madrid fell through last summer but could be revived, even though the Galacticos now have Thomas Gravesen as their holding midfielder.

If Real fail to make an offer, there are few other clubs who would match Arsenal's valuation of the player. Moreover with Arsenal then requiring reinforcement to their youthful midfield, Arsenal might just hope he recovers the form and desire of previous years.

Destination: Real Madrid
Price: ?20million
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Ashley Cole

The England defender's secret meeting with Chelsea backfired spectacularly and now it would appear Cole does not have a future at Highbury or Stamford Bridge. Huge doubts linger over his loyalty to Arsenal, who will want to head off a Bosman-style free transfer by recovering a decent fee for the left-back, while Chelsea are keen to distance themselves from him. Spain now beckons for Cole, with Real Madrid an obvious contender if, as expected, they sell Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos.

Destination: Barcelona or Real Madrid
Price: ?12million
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David Beckham

Complaints made by Beckham last week that his two sons were being hounded by Spanish paparazzi have paved the way for a transfer away from the Bernabeu.

Beckham said he was considering a move back to the UK but the problem for the England skipper is which club will be big enough for him and able to meet his wage demands? Chelsea don't him, Arsenal will struggle to afford him and Manchester United are not an option.

Destination: Arsenal, although another year at the Bernabeu may tempt him
Price: ?15million
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Michael Owen

Despite a highly impressive strike rate, Owen has yet to nail down a regular place at Real Madrid.

Local hero Raul and the higher profile Ronaldo have been preferred by the Galacticos' succession of coaches. With Jose Antonio Reyes reportedly on his way to the Bernabeu, Owen's days are numbered and there are no shortage of clubs who covet the England striker.

Destination: Arsenal
Price: ?8million
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Shaun Wright-Phillips

A target for Chelsea and Arsenal, Wright-Phillips is already on his way to Stamford Bridge if some reports are to be believed.

Chelsea certainly have the financial clout to swat aside competition from their London rivals, but would the Manchester City winger really want to join a club with such a deep squad?

Arsenal present a better bet as he would be first choice for the Gunners and, though still raw, his youth is an undoubted plus point for Arsene Wenger.

Destination: Arsenal
Price: ?20million
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Andy Johnson

The outcome of Crystal Palace's battle against relegation will decide Johnson's fate. If the south London club go down then the 24-year-old striker's departure is a certainty. Liverpool have been linked with a move for the England international and with Milan Baros' days at Anfield looking numbered, there would appear to be an opening for the jet-heeled marksman with the Reds.

Destination: Liverpool
Price: ?12million
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Joaquin Sanchez

According to Joaquin's father and representative, Aurelio, Joaquin will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Chelsea already have some quality wingers and with Wright-Phillips touted as another possible arrival, it is hard to see how Mourinho will keep so many big names happy. But the Real Betis star, who has also been linked with Real Madrid, is a class act and justifies his price tag.

Destination: Chelsea
Price: ?30million