The Championship stars Premier League clubs should snap up in summer including ex-Arsenal ace after career revival
THE TRANSFER window is about to open and already a number of big-money moves are in the pipeline.
Premier League clubs are looking both at home and abroad to pick up a bargain to bolster their chances of success next season.
However, a number of players have been showing their potential to do the business in the top-flight one step down in the Championship.
Stars from Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton are all looking forward to a crack at the big time.
But a host of others suffered promotion heartbreak - although their performances could still lead to a switch to the promised land.
Here Sun Sport takes a look at seven Championship players that Premier League clubs should be looking to snap up this summer:
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CHUBA AKPOM
The former Arsenal man finally realised his potential this term with a breathtaking campaign at Middlesbrough.
Akpom’s 28 goals made him the Championship’s top scorer, and with another one in the FA Cup against Brighton, he has shown he can do it against Premier League defences.
After play-off disappointment, we reported how Boro are fearing bids for their talisman - but they will be demanding at least £15m for the 27-year-old.
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VICTOR GYOKERES
Sporting Lisbon are the latest club to be linked with Coventry City’s non-stop Swedish striker.
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The 25-year-old is believed to be valued at over £17m by the Sky Blues, who were beaten in the play-off final by Luton.
Gyokeres only has a year left on his contract and will no doubt attract plenty of suitors after he finished second in the second tier golden boot standings to Akpom with 21 goals.
GUSTAVO HAMER
The Brazilian-born former Dutch U20 midfielder is another Coventry player who has become a wanted man.
The 25-year-old recorded a career best 11 goal-haul and ten assists this season.
And with just 12 months left on his deal, Sky Blues boss Mark Robins could be forced to cash in on either him or Gyokeres.
VIKTOR JOHANSSON
Goals win matches but keeping them out helps teams survive.
And there is no doubt that Rotherham would probably not have beaten the drop had it not been for their 24-year-old Swedish goalkeeper.
Johansson made more saves (158) than any other Championship stopper and managed to keep 13 clean sheets.
He recently penned a contract until 2025 but a big-money bid may be too much to turn down.
JACK CLARKE
Sunderland are another team that endured misery in the play-offs and boss Tony Mowbray is now bracing himself for Premier League interest in his stars.
Ex-Spurs kid Jack Clarke, 22, is a Brentford target.
The former Leeds man has shone at the Stadium of Light over the campaign and his pace and trickery could make him a target for several more top tier outfits.
ADAM WHARTON
We have already revealed that Newcastle transfer supremo Dan Ashworth is personally tracking Blackburn’s brilliant teenager.
The 19-year-old midfielder caught the eye after breaking into the first-team this season.
The England Under-19 international has registered a goal and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.
And Crystal Palace and Ashworth’s old club Brighton are also keen on him.
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ANTHONY PATTERSON
Another goalie who could be about to make the jump up into the Premier League.
Relegated Leicester City have an interest in Patterson.
But Sun Sport have also revealed that he is on Wolves’ list of potential transfer targets.
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The 23-year-old Sunderland star is another youngster to have shone for Sunderland.
The England U21 international played every game last season, keeping 14 clean sheets, with the club valuing their academy graduate at around £10m.
