From Giovinco to Llorente: The comprehensive list of Premier League targets from Euro 2012 Group C
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championship, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
06-Jun-2012 4:30:00 PM
Athletic Bilbao: Javi Martínez, Fernando Llorente
By Chris Davie
As the opening of the transfer window draws ever closer and speculation becomes increasingly rife, many clubs will be waiting for this summer’s major tournament to play out before choosing to part with their cash.
For wantaway players, Euro 2012 will provide a platform to showcase their ability on a grand stage, while those already touted for moves will no doubt see the showpiece in Poland & Ukraine as an opportunity to better their hand in negotiations.
Goal.com takes a look at the players competing in the European Championship who could be Premier League-bound this summer. Next up is Group C, containing Croatia, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Spain.
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Milan Badelj
MIDFIELDER | CROATIA |
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The 23-year-old was tipped as being one of Croatia's brightest prospects after a promising opening to his career at Dinamo Zagreb. However, the deep-lying midfielder has struggled for form this season, and the reported Tottenham target could therefore find it hard to cement a regular role in his national side's Euro 2012 campaign this summer.
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Sebastian Giovinco
FORWARD | ITALY |
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Giovinco has enjoyed the best season of his career with Parma as the forward heads into Euro 2012 with Italy.
The 25-year-old showed that he is sharp in front of goal and has an eye for a pass by playing a key role in the Gialloblu's eighth-place finish in Serie A.
Juventus still own 50 per cent of the rights for the diminutive forward, with Parma holding the rest, leaving his future with the newly-crowned Serie A champions uncertain.
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Aiden McGeady
WINGER | REPUBLIC OF IRELAND |
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The 26-year-old has generally impressed at Spartak Moscow since his arrival in 2010 but after being heavily criticised by numerous club figures last season, McGeady's future in Russia is unclear.
Euro 2012 is now an opportunity for the winger to put himself in the shop window, and with Martin O'Neill set to bolster his Sunderland squad this summer, the Republic of Ireland international could be in the frame for a move to the Stadium of Light.
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Jordi Alba
FULL-BACK | SPAIN |
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The La Masia-trained defender has enjoyed a solid campaign with Valencia and has subsequently made a strong case for Spain's left-back spot at Euro 2012.
Barcelona are reportedly in the hunt to re-sign the 23-year-old, but also on the radar are Manchester United, who see the Valencia man as a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra.
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Fernando Llorente
FORWARD | SPAIN |
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With David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012, Llorente is in the frame to spearhead Spain's attack in Poland & Ukraine.
The forward, who rivals Fernando Torres for a starting berth for La Roja, enjoyed a stronger season than the Chelsea striker and particularly impressed during Athletic Bilbao's Europa League campaign.
Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be among a number of Premier League managers interested in signing the 27-year-old, who has hinted at a future move to England.
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Javi Martinez
MIDFIELDER | SPAIN |
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The versatile Javi Martinez has impressed for Athletic Bilbao this season after making the transition from a deep-lying midfielder to a centre-back.
Twinning his excellent range of distribution with a solid positional awareness, Martinez could be in the frame to partner Gerard Pique at the heart of Spain's defence at Euro 2012.
Both Manchester United and City have been strongly linked with a move for the 23-year-old, although he has shown no desire to quit Bilbao this summer.
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