It is the ultimate shop window: a 48-team World Cup packed with players eager to impress on the biggest stage. And with the transfer window now open, Premier League clubs are already lining up moves for the tournament's standout names.
England and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson remains a key transfer target for Manchester City, while Liverpool have shown interest in Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. The prospect of Newcastle making a third attempt to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford in three years has not been ruled out. Trafford, Manchester City's cup keeper, accepted on the eve of England's opener against Croatia that he must be first choice at club level to fulfil his dream as his country's number one – a confession that could work in Newcastle's favour.
“Premier League clubs circle World Cup stars as Newcastle eye Trafford and Liverpool target Diomande.”
Fulham's Antonee Robinson, a key figure for the USA who completed 90 minutes against Paraguay and 80 against Australia, could come into Manchester United's thinking if they decide their left-sided options need a more defensive player. Brighton have already had a couple of bids turned down for Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic. The 19-year-old started Croatia's World Cup opener with England in the heart of a three-man defence but was replaced 20 minutes after half-time as Thomas Tuchel's side dominated. Vuskovic was not completely to blame for Harry Kane's free header for England's second goal, but the youngster was nearest the ball as Kane got a free run at it and could not get beyond John Stones as he tried to leap.
Crystal Palace, fresh from winning the Conference League, now face a Europa League campaign that will demand a stronger squad. Last season's lack of depth forced the club to bring in Jorgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand during the winter window. Tyrick Mitchell is the only real first-team quality option at left-back, while right-back Daniel Munoz – now at the World Cup with Colombia – had knee surgery last season and did not look the same afterwards. Palace will need to invest again to compete at a higher level.