The World Cup stars being targeted by Premier League clubs ottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson remains a key transfer target for Manchester City, while Liverpool have shown interest in Ivory Coast winger Yan DiomandePublished23 June 2026It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.Fans are cheering on their national teams, with half an eye on who their Premier League side might be keen to sign.With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.Here are some of the players under the microscope.Goalkeepers and defenders eeper James Trafford, USA left-back Antonee Robinson, Croatia centre-back Luka Vuskovic and DR Congo defender Aaron Wan-BissakaBack in for Trafford?ByCiaran KellyFootball reporterThe prospect of Newcastle making a third attempt to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford in just three years has not been ruled out.Although he did not feature in England's opener against Croatia, it was significant that on the eve of the game the Manchester City goalkeeper accepted he will need to be first choice at club level to fulfil his dream of being his country's number one.That could yet work in Newcastle's favour if they are to return to the table for Manchester City's cup keeper.Robinson in the frame? Vuskovic in demandBySimon StoneChief football news reporterFulham's Antonee Robinson could come into Manchester United's thinking if they decide their left-sided options would be best bolstered by a more defensive player.Robinson is a key figure in the USA team and completed the full 90 minutes against Paraguay and 80 minutes of their match with Australia.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 wasn't completely to blame for Harry Kane getting a free header for his second goal, but the youngster was nearest the ball as Kane got a free run at it and wasn't able to get beyond John Stones as he tried to leap to challenge.Palace must invest againByAlex HowellFootball reporterCrystal Palace will come into the season fresh from winning the Conference League, and they have another European campaign as a result.The main thing that was highlighted last season was that the squad that Palace started the season with lacked depth, which is why the club brought in Jorgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson and Evann Guessand in the winter transfer window.The Europa League will present a higher level of competition for Palace and as a result they will need to invest again.Tyrick Mitchell is the only real first-team quality option at left-back, and right-back Daniel Munoz, 30, had knee surgery last season and did not look the same afterwards.Munoz is now at the World Cup with Colombia. Even though Mitchell has had the summer off after missing out on the England squad, the full-back areas are where Palace will need to bring in back-up or players who can rival the current choices for a place in the starting XI.New boss Pierre Sage will surely be keeping an eye on the World Cup, but he is fresh to the role and therefore Palace's signing plans are unclear for now.Spence to Everton?ByGiulia BouldBBC Radio Merseyside reporterThe right-back position has been a problem for some time and West Ham and DR Congo's Aaron Wan-Bissaka is of interest to Everton - as is England and Tottenham full-back Djed Spence.Cherries eye a keeperByMark MitchenerBBC Sport Senior JournalistBournemouth's recruitment is unlikely to be as busy as it was in the summer of 2025, when the sale of several stars meant replacements were required.The Cherries are definitely in the market for a goalkeeper to provide back-up and competition for Djordje Petrovic, and would probably like a left-footed centre-back to fill the gap left by Marcos Senesi's move to Tottenham which will go through on 1 July.
Some of the world's best defenders are on show at the World Cup, but that may not be Bournemouth's target market.Any other business may depend on whether any of their current stars are prised away. Despite some noise in the media around Alex Scott, Eli Junior Kroupi and Rayan, concrete interest is yet to materialise.Leeds plans under wrapsByAdam PopeBBC Radio Leeds reporterIn terms of actual names Leeds are chasing, it is difficult to discern at this stage, but I know they admire the Czech player Ladislav Krejci. The centre-back was at Wolves last season on loan from Girona.Midfielders elder Elliot Anderson, Brazil's Ederson, Senegal's Lamine Camara & Argentina's Valentin BarcoRecord Anderson deal in the offingByShamoon HafezManchester City reporterNottingham Forest are thought to want a record fee for a British player if they are to sell Elliot Anderson, and you can see why after the midfielder's eye-catching performance in England's opening World Cup victory over Croatia.Anderson played the full 90 minutes and made the great Luka Modric look all of his 40 years of age, providing a superb assist for Jude Bellingham's all-important second-half goal.The 23-year-old's job and importance to England's midfield is clear - since Thomas Tuchel took charge in January 2025, Anderson has won possession 78 times, that's 51 more than Declan Rice who is next on that list.Manchester City's second offer worth £120m has already been rejected by Forest and Anderson may have added another £10m to his value following his highly impressive first appearance at a major international tournament. .
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