With January’s transfer window on the point of closing, Premier League clubs are scouring the world in search of some unknown talent that can catapult them up the table for the second-half of the season.
But more often than not it’s England’s lower leagues that pull out the stars with Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Adam Johnson and Tim Cahill all players that have previously worked their trade below the top flight.
With such a goldmine of talent at their disposal, Sportsmail looks at the Premier League club’s biggest targets currently displaying their magic in the Football League Championship.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
(Southampton, 17)
Wanted by: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Fulham
Value: £10m
It has not even been a year since the midfielder made his debut with the Saints, but he has made such an impression in his first full campaign in League One that Premier League clubs are stumbling over each other to strike out a deal for the starlet.
Connor Wickham
(Ipswich, 17)
Wanted by: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham
Value: £10m
One of the very few positives to come out of Portman Road in the last couple of years. A key player in England’s Under 17 European Championship success, previous boss Roy Keane has said he has the potential to be better than Wayne Rooney.
Chris Eagles (Burnley, 25)
Wanted by: Everton, Bolton
Value: £5m
An attacking midfielder that can play out wide and in the centre.
The former Manchester United trainee proved last season he can mix it with the big guns in the Premier League and that experience alone makes him a big target.
The former Manchester United trainee proved last season he can mix it with the big guns in the Premier League and that experience alone makes him a big target.
Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff, 28)
Wanted by: Newcastle, Birmingham, Everton, Blackburn, Fulham
Value: £3m
A late developer, the previously struggling journeyman striker has developed into a goal machine at the Bluebirds which propelled him to his England debut two months ago. Out of contract in the summer, Premier League clubs scent a bargain.
Kasper Schmeichel
(Leeds, 24)
Wanted by: Aston Villa, Liverpool
Value: £6m
Still relatively young for a goalkeeper, the son of the Manchester United legend Peter is an incredible shot stopper who is sure to blossom further with experience. The Dane would want first-team football instantly after gathering splinters sitting on Manchester City’s bench.
Adel Taarabt (QPR, 21)
Wanted by: Newcastle
Value: £7m
His talent is unquestionable but his attitude is an issue and one of the reasons he could never force his way in at Tottenham. But the attacking midfielder has had an incredible season in the Championship and a big reason why Rangers find themselves out in front.
Ben Turner (Coventry, 22)
Wanted by: West Ham, Blackburn, Aston Villa
Value: £4m
A towering centre-back at 1.84m who was enjoying a fine season at the heart of the Sky Blues defence before his injury in November. Strong in the air which he uses to great advantage at both ends with two winning goals to his name this campaign.
Andy King (Leicester, 22)
Wanted by: Everton, Birmingham
Value: £5m
King continues to go from strength to strength in the Foxes midfield. The Welsh international has a terrific shot from distance and despite his relative young age has deputised as captain for Sven Goran Eriksson’s side, marking out future leadership qualities.
Max Gradel (Leeds, 23)
Wanted by: Newcastle, Wigan, West Brom
Value: £3million
Since arriving at Elland Road from Leicester permanently a year ago, the tricky winger has come on in leaps and bounds. Has proved he can handle the big tests after two impressive performances against Arsenal in the FA Cup, even winning a penalty for his side at the Emirates.
Steve Morison (Millwall, 27)
Wanted by: Wolves, Fulham
Value: £2.5m
Non-League two years ago now a Wales international, Morison helped Millwall to promotion last season and now has 36 goals from 81games for the Lions. Good is the air at 6ft 2in, Morison is more than just a target man. Deceptively quick he also has good close control and is seen by some top-flight clubs as a shrewd signing.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1351418/Top-10-Championship-transfer-window-bargains.html#ixzz1CSFrSv9O
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