It's time to dust off the crystal ball - because there will be some blockbuster moves this summer.
And Mystic Mox is going to call ‘em.
The race to grab Manchester City’s hard-fought crown will be even more intense next season. Arsenal and Newcastle United have knocked the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea out of the top four - and with Manchester United finding their mojo, the competition is white-hot.
That means the scrap for top talent this summer will become even fiercer. So, let’s have a quick look at what could happen.
Declan Rice
With one year left on his deal, Hammers’ owner David Sullivan won’t turn his back on a £100m pay day and let his skipper leave for nothing next summer.
Arsenal and Manchester United are circling and while the Gunners are in greater need, it would be difficult to turn your back on Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman comes calling.
Rice is the nearest thing to Bryan Robson that this correspondent has seen in a long time. He takes responsibility, works like a dog, can break up play and is a proper leader.
One point worth noting. It’s likely Kalvin Phillips will move on. What price a player-plus-cash deal from the champs?
Destination? Manchester - one way or another.
Harry Kane
England’s skipper also has 12 months left. Spurs’ striker is also on Manchester United’s wanted list.
The turmoil in North London should have pushed the 29-year-old towards the exit door. The long-term trend at his club isn’t upwards.
But he may decide to see out his deal and bank a fortune when he becomes a free agent. There will be no shortage of takers in 12 months’ time.
No fan will blame him for moving on. But there doesn’t appear to be a desperate push towards the door by Kane. That will be a boost for his new manager - and the club.
Destination? Looks like he’s staying put.
James Maddison
The playmaker already looked certain to leave Leicester City - their relegation has now made it an inevitability.
The Foxes’ have crippling cash issues and the England international is one of few assets they can sell. He’s already been linked with Newcastle United - and that looks an increasingly good fit for someone who would go down a storm on Tyneside.
With better players around him, Maddison would thrive, moving himself and his new club to a new level. He would be bang in the frame for England, too.
Destination? Newcastle United.
Ilkay Gundogan
The 32-year-old is one of Pep Guardiola’s unsung heroes. Erling Haaland scores goals, Kevin de Bruyne supplies them and Jack Grealish has turned into the darliing of the Etihad.
But the Catalan’s best side has Gundogan in it.
The midfielder was the only player that Guardiola returned to Germany for when the manager turned up in Manchester - which sums up how highly he is rated.
Arsenal have been mentioned as potential suitors - Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus have have had a marked effect at the Emirates. The Gunners finished a few points behind Manchester City. It wouldn’t be wise to let him become the third defection.
Destination? If Guardiola’s got anything about him, he’ll still be turning out in sky blue next season.
Jude Bellingham
The Brummie wonderkid has both Manchester United and Real Madrid fighting it out for his services.
With Declan Rice up for grabs - and Ten Hag needing a ‘plug and play’ addition of proven quality, that should give West Ham’s main man the edge if it came to a choice for the Dutchman.
Borussia Dortmund have set the price tag - around £119m - which means that level of purchase is open to very few.
Do Real Madrid have the cash? I’m not so sure. Manchester United do. If they can’t land Rice or Kane, then Bellingham could be the next cab off the rank - particularly as they have an ageing midfield.
Destination? Madrid if they have the cash. If not, it depends on how Manchester United’s summer pans out.
