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As we approach the business end of the 2020-21 Premier League season, several players are already being linked with big-money moves in what could prove to be an exciting summer transfer window.
Due to the financial repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, not many clubs across Europe's top five leagues splashed the cash last summer. While the situation is slightly better now, there is still a bit of uncertainty with regard to transfers, so it remains to be seen how the forthcoming window pans out.
Nevertheless, the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are reportedly planning to splash the cash this summer, as they aim to fine-tune their squads for the 2021-22 season. The European Championships could also play a big role in dictating the fate of the transfer market, as players usually tend to get sold for exorbitant prices after impressing in major tournaments.
On that note, here are five Premier League stars who could secure big-money moves at the end of the current season.
#5 Pedro Neto | Wolverhampton Wanderers
Pedro Neto has always been hailed as a top talent, but the Portuguese winger has reached new heights this season for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Raul Jimenez has been a massive miss for Nuno Espirito Santo, but Neto has ensured that Wolves have stayed afloat in the Premier League with a string of magnificent displays.
A pacy winger with a keen eye for goal, Neto is blessed with a wand of a left foot and is also an excellent dribbler of the ball. The 21-year-old has recorded five goals and six assists in 29 Premier League appearances this season and has turned heads across Europe with his performances.
Neto is set to represent Portugal in the European Championships later this year and could well be a key player for Fernando Santos. If he carries on performing like this, one of the Premier League's big boys could swoop for his signature later this year.
#4 Jack Grealish | Aston Villa
Jack Grealish is another player who has enjoyed an outstanding season so far. The Aston Villa captain is one of the most exciting players to watch in the Premier League and was all set to be one of the candidates for the PFA Player of the Year award before suffering a two-month injury layoff.
Nevertheless, Grealish is back in business for Villa and could play a big part for Dean Smith's side in the coming weeks. In 22 appearances across all competitions for his boyhood club, he has notched up a staggering six goals and 12 assists, including a Man of the Match performance against Liverpool in a 7-2 victory against the champions.
Grealish is capable of playing out wide and in midfield, making him an intriguing option for a handful of teams across Europe. Manchester United have been linked with his signature and could well make a move for him if they decide to cash in on Paul Pogba this summer.
Also Read: 5 players who have played more minutes than expected this season (2020-21)
#3 Declan Rice | West Ham United
Declan Rice is another player who could be on the move this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly keeping tabs on him. The England international is West Ham's prized asset, with the Hammers unwilling to part with the player for less than £80 million.
While Rice is predominantly a defensive midfielder, he can also slot in as a central defender if needed, making him a useful player in two important positions. He is also a key player for England and will look to make a positive contribution at the European Championships later this year.
Rice has played 32 games for West Ham in all competitions and will look to inspire his side to a UEFA Champions League spot at the end of the season. West Ham will look to keep hold of him, but you just get the feeling that it's only a matter of time before he moves on to greener pastures.
#2 Paul Pogba | Manchester United
Surprise, surprise! Speculation surrounding Paul Pogba's future is dominating the back pages once again! The Frenchman — who is represented by notorious super-agent Mino Raiola — is one of the most talked-about footballers on the players on the planet.
Pogba's current deal with Manchester United expires in 2022 and it remains likely that he will leave the club soon. However, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils decide to cash in on him this summer or retain him for a year and let him leave as a free agent next year.
To protect the club's best interests, Manchester United are likely to cash in on him at the end of the season. The World Cup winner has been linked with a return to Juventus, while his admiration for Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane in particular is no secret.
The 28-year-old is yet to decide his future and could well have a change of heart in the coming months. That said, he is likely to leave as things stand, with Raiola making arrangements behind the scenes to broker a deal that suits everyone involved.
#1 Mohamed Salah | Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is by far Liverpool's most important attacker and arguably one of the greatest signings made by the club in the Premier League era. The Egyptian maestro has been one of the most consistent players on the planet since his return to the Premier League, with his unique ability to score goals as well as create them setting him apart from the rest.
With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2023, Liverpool have an important decision to make this summer. While reports have suggested that the Reds have no intention of cashing in on him this summer, they are also no closer to agreeing a new deal with him.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with his signature in the past few months, with the Egyptian admitting that he could see himself playing in Spain at some point in the future.
Salah is one of the best attackers in the world and is likely to remain at Liverpool this summer. However, if the Reds receive an insane sum of money, they might be tempted to cash in on him for someone younger.
Also Read: 5 breakthrough stars of the Premier League season so far (2020-21)
