Lamine Kone
Kone will undoubtedly be the hottest summer prospect for the clubs finishing mid-table this season. Sunderland have an increasing chance of finishing in the bottom three and the club will be absolutely powerless to hold on to their star players if that happens. Numerous clubs have shown interest in the Ivory Coast international, who was the main reason why Sunderland escaped relegation last season.
However, the 28-year-old looks unlikely to repeat the same feat again this season. Everton and Crystal Palace are also in stiff competition for his signature and the fact that Sam Allardyce was the one to recognise his talent when he was at Ligue 1 side Lorient, gives Palace a slim edge.
A centre-half by nature, Kone can also play as a right-back and is adept in using his brute force and athleticism in winning challenges, an attribute tremendously useful in the Premier league. Though his contract at the Stadium of Light is up till 2021, it is highly unlikely he will stay till then.
Harry Maguire
Despite Marco Silva’s brilliant attempt to pull the Tigers of the relegation zone, it doesn’t look like happening. Hull City have invested quite decently in the winter transfer window and it has even paid off to some extent, but if they fail to survive relegation, some stars are definitely leaving the KCOM Stadium coming summer.
And among them stands the 24-year-old centre-half. The Barnsley academy product has shown real maturity at the back, way more than his age and it has led many Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, to take interest in him.
Whether it is a back four or back three, Maguire has been a regular in Hull first-team and his big frame of 188cm makes him just perfect for the centre-back’s role. Maguire’s contract with Hull expires in June 2018 and the growing interest might just lead Hull to cash in on him in the coming summer.
Federico Fernandez
Here is another defender who hasn’t got as much recognition as a player of his calibre deserves. The Argentine international has been overlooked in a Swansea City side who might just be able to survive relegation after Paul Clement seems to have held the mast firmly.
However, Fernandez’s impressive displays have garnered interest and West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis is an admirer of the player. Since moving from Napoli in 2014, Fernandez has had a decent run in the Premier League as he formed a good partnership with Ashley Williams. However, now with Williams plying his trade at Everton, it is time he makes a step up.
