5 transfer names you need to know as EPL clubs set to do battle for men in demand this summer

With the club season now edging closer to its climax, managers all over the continent will already be thinking about how they can improve their squads ahead of the new campaign.

While powerhouses Liverpool and Bayern Munich are still in the process of finding new managers for next season, their rivals will be hoping to steal a march on them by snapping up some of the most in demand players this summer. With the European Championships in Germany also taking place in the off-season, players who are hoping to further their ambitions will see the finals as a perfect opportunity to put themselves in the shop window for a big move.

Outside of the Euros, there are also a whole host of other players who are sure to have their agents kept busy on the phone, as the top clubs in the English Premier League and across Europe jostle for their signature. Record Sport checks out five of the most sought after prized assets this summer, and how much it could cost to prize them away from their respective clubs.

Joshua Zirkzee

After a slow start in Italy, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has lit up Serie A this season to help Thiago Motta's men close in on qualification for the Champions League. Complimented by Scottish star Lewis Ferguson and tricky winger Ricardo Orsolini, the Netherlands international has netted 11 times in 31 league matches, a huge improvement on the two Serie A strikes he managed last season.

The 22-year-old's exploits have not gone unnoticed, with Juventus and Arsenal credited with an interest in the forward. Zirkzee could also return to Bayern Munich, who can re-sign the player for a reported €40million after inserting a buy back clause into the deal that saw him join Bologna in August 2022.

Estimated value: £35million

Viktor Gyokeres

Sweden star Gyokeres only joined Sporting for €20million from Coventry City last summer, but the forward's rampant form in front of goal this season has already seen him tipped to join one of Europe's elite. Gyokeres has hit a sensational 40 goals in 46 matches in all competitions, spearheading his side's charge towards a league and cup double, with Sporting holding a five point lead at the top of the table with five games remaining.

Chelsea and Manchester United are believed to be among his potential suitors, and should the Portuguese club decide to part with their talisman after just a single season, they are sure to make back on their investment ten-fold with Gyokeres said to have a £86million release clause.

Estimated value: £86million

Teun Koopmeiners

Atalanta playmaker Teun Koopmeiners may well have his pick of the clubs this summer after a stellar season in the Italian top-flight. The midfielder has scored 14 goals in all competitions, with Gian Piero Gasperini's men in with a real chance of scooping up two pieces of silverware having reached the last four of the Europa League and the final of the Coppa Italia.

The Dutchman will be one of many players hoping to catch the eye at this summer's Euros and has been heavily linked with Juventus. Arne Slot's pending switch to take up the reins at Liverpool has also seen the player touted for a link up with his countryman.

Estimated value: £51million

Jonathan David

Another forward who could be on the move this summer is Lille's Jonathan David. The Canadian star has been in lethal form with 24 goals in 44 matches and with three matches still to play, could beat his tally of 26 from the previous campaign. Lille are hoping to clinch a place in the revamped Champions League this season but that is unlikely to persuade their man to stay in Northern France, who is approaching the final 12 months of his contract.

Reports in Italy claim that Napoli have already agreed personal terms with David, while Aston Villa have also emerged as surprise contenders to land the pacey number nine.

Estimated value: £40million

Ronald Araujo

Barcelona's Uruguayan centre back Ronald Araujo is poised for an exit at the end of the season as the Catalan giants continue to scale back on their wage bill. Although Barca are believed to have opened discussions over a new contract with Araujo, sources in Spain claim that they are more than willing to sell the 25-year-old if their valuation is met.

Araujo, who picked up a La Liga winner's medal last season, is said to be of interest to both Man United and Chelsea, with the former set for a massive summer overhaul under new minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe.

Estimated value: £69million