World Cup 2018: The players to watch over for the transfer window

World Cup 2018: The players to watch over for the transfer window

The 2018 Russia World Cup is almost upon us, as footballers around the globe prepare to pit their abilities against each other on the biggest sporting stage of them all.

The greatest prize in the game is up for grabs, though players travelling to Russia are well aware the eyes of the world will be glued to their every move.

With the quadrennial tournament often catapulting players into the limelight and creating stars overnight, Sportsmail takes a look at those players who could well use the competition to prop themselves up in the shop window.

Nabil Fekir - France

An incredible season with Lyon saw Fekir make a late break into the France national squad.

Some going, when considered Les Bleus are that strong that coach Didier Deschamps will be leaving the likes of Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette at home.

Fekir has excelled for Lyon, captaining the side and pitching in with 18 domestic goals and nine assists - with a further three goals in the Europa League. Reports are mounting about a potential early agreement with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, though a solid tournament will see the attacking midfielder in demand across the continent.

Potential teams interested: Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid

Potential transfer fee: £50-£60m

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Serbia

The World Cup has arrived at the perfect time for Milinkovic-Savic, who has spent most of this season showing his seemingly endless array of skills in Serie A.

While some clubs will be glad to see the dynamic 23-year-old midfielder in action on the big stage and determine how well he copes with pressure, others will rue the fact it will likely price them out of the bidding.

The Serbian has four-years left on his current Lazio deal, so is unlikely to come cheap. A big tournament however and the cheque-books of big teams will gladly come out.

Potential teams interested: Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Real Madrid, Juventus

Potential transfer fee: £40-60m

Fred - Brazil

The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has barged his way into the Brazil squad following a season of flair and finesse.

The central midfielder has already been linked with both Manchester United and City, and is set to be in high demand as club's clamour for a classy presence in the middle of the park.

With Brazil among the favourites to scoop the trophy in Russia, an inspired tournament from Fred will both increase their chances and fire his status into the big time.

Potential teams interested: Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid

Potential transfer fee: £45-50m

Timo Werner - Germany

The next big German hope, Timo Werner will be looking to take his already glowing status in the Bundesliga and showcase it on the big stage.

The Leipzig forward, still only 22-years-old, has emerged as an adept finisher with both feet and his head.

With current holders Germany not short of attacking gems, Werner will have to pull something special out of the bag to achieve game time. Should he do so, the offers will come piling in.

Potential teams interested: Liverpool, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Juventus

Potential transfer fee: £40-£50m

Emil Forsberg - Sweden

The summer window could quickly turn into a yard sale for Leipzig if their players show what they can do in front of millions.

Like Werner, Forsberg has been doing the business in the Bundesliga since Leipzig's promotion to the top flight, and formed a core element of the team spine.

The midfielder will be given plenty of responsibility by the Sweden team as they bid to get out of Group F and beyond and, now aged 26, the time to move on is upon him.

Potential teams interested: Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton, AC Milan

Potential transfer fee: £30-35m

Goncalo Guedes - Portugal

Guedes is an interesting one and could be an unpolished diamond who quickly shines in Russia, if given the opportunity.

The attacker spent the 2017/18 campaign on loan with Valencia from Paris Saint Germain, impressing frequently throughout the campaign.

Energetic performances in Portugal's pre-World Cup friendlies earned the 21-year-old a spot in the European Championship winners' squad along with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Should he shine, clubs will take note. PSG will be keen to keep the player, though their star-studded front line isn't the most accommodating right now.

Potential teams interested: Valencia, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Napoli

Potential transfer fee: £30m

Kasper Dolberg - Denmark

Ajax forward Dolberg has been seen as upcoming prodigy for some time, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once going as far as to say: 'Who doesn't know Kasper Dolberg? You can't play at Ajax without being noticed... he has a very great future. He is a fantastic player.'

The 20-year-old is set to head to his first World Cup, and will be hoping to take much more than simply experience from the grand event.

Should be take his chance, Dolberg's agent and Ajax will be picking up the phone quite frequently.

Potential teams interested: Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Liverpool, Manchester United

Potential transfer fee: £30-40m

Ismaila Sarr - Senegal

Sarr has been named in the Senegal World Cup squad and is seen as something of a trump card for the Lions of Teranga.

The 20-year-old has been pulling up trees for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season, showing confidence beyond his years and an impressive ability to craft the ball to his will using both feet competently.

When penning his £15.2m deal with Rennes last summer, Sarr came out to say he rejected the advances of Barcelona in order to get game time and improve himself in French football.

A good World Cup, combined with the four-year club contract he is only in the infancy of, would make for a hefty transfer fee.

Not heard of him yet? You soon will have.

Potential teams interested: Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City

Potential transfer fee: £60-70m