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Five Premier League stars who would become world class with move to top six club including Phillips and Saint-Maximin

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FIVE of the Premier League’s hottest talents currently ply their trades with clubs outside of the ‘Big Six’.

Kalvin Phillips, Allan Saint-Maximin, Declan Rice, Raphinha and Youri Tielemans are prized assets at their current teams, but could have their heads turned by the prospect of playing for one of the ‘Big Six’.

Phillips is dubbed the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ by the Leeds faithfulCredit: Getty

With Leeds facing a relegation scrap, and Leicester not hitting the heights expected of them, players may start to become agitated.

And the lure of Champions League football could convince some players to part ways with their current clubs.

Here SunSport takes a look at five Prem players who could be in line for a transfer to a ‘Big Six’ club to make the step up to be considered world class.

Kalvin Phillips

Phillips is already an established England international and starred for the Three Lions in their run to the final of Euro 2020.

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He’s been capped 19 times by Gareth Southgate and played 229 times for Leeds.

But with his boyhood club still flirting with relegation, it could be time for Phillips to move on to pastures new.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been linked with Manchester United as the Red Devils eye a midfield revamp, and could be the catalyst for a new era at Old Trafford.

He has the ability to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Roy Keane and Michael Carrick, but undoubtedly has an incredible loyalty to Leeds and may be reluctant to leave.

Phillips could follow in the footsteps of Roy Keane at United and at the age of just 26 has time to become another Old Trafford heroCredit: Getty

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Allan Saint-Maximin

The scintillating Saint-Maximin is a sight to behold when he gets up to full flight in front of a packed St James’ Park.

And although mega-rich Newcastle are building for the future under Eddie Howe, Saint-Maximin could be tempted if a club offering European football came knocking.

Saint-Maximin is the first name on the team sheet at St. James’ ParkCredit: Reuters

The 25-year-old seemed like a suitable addition to the dynamic attack of Liverpool.

But the arrival of Luis Diaz looks to have put the brakes on that, although a £50m transfer to Aston Villa has been rumoured.

That is if Steven Gerrard is unable to land Philippe Coutinho on a permanent switch.

Declan Rice

Rice is a player that is already well in the world-class conversation, but despite West Ham’s fine campaign and Europa League semi-final, a move could take him to the next level.

He is already testing himself at European level, but Rice is a player who deserves to be playing in the Champions League.

The Hammers want to build their future around Rice, but both Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old star – although City ruled themselves out.

A move to the Blues would pair Rice with N’Golo Kante in midfield and see him learn under the stewardship of one of the Premier League’s greatest midfielders.

It would also seem him return to his boyhood club and link up with best pal Mason Mount.

Rice has already rejected three contract offers over the past year but West Ham are holding out for a whopping £150m.

Rice could look to test himself at one of the ‘Big Six’Credit: Getty
A move to Chelsea would reunite Rice with best pal Mason MountCredit: Getty

Raphinha

The 25-year-old Brazilian has been rewarded with a Brazil call-up after impressing since moving to Leeds from Rennes in 2020.

Ten goals in 30 Prem games this season have followed his six goals and nine assists in 30 league games in his debut campaign.

And with a World Cup on the horizon this year the winger could be eyeing a move to a ‘Big Six’ club to prove his ability on the European stage.

Raphinha has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and has even been urged to seal an Anfield switch by Brazilian legend Rivaldo.

Raphinha (R) has been a revelation since joining Leeds for just £17millionCredit: Reuters

Youri Tielemans

Last but not least is contract rebel Tielemans.

The 24-year-old Belgian star has just over a year remaining on his current Leicester deal and reportedly rejected an extension proposed to him by the Foxes.

Tielemans scored the winner in the FA Cup final last season, a wondergoal against Chelsea, and has been linked with a host of the Prem’s biggest clubs.

Some of Europe’s biggest names are also on red alert, with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich joining Manchester United, Chelsea AND Liverpool in the chase for the Belgium international.

Tielemans has the biggest clubs in Europe sniffing around himCredit: Reuters

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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