Relegated players who will be targeted by Premier League clubs this summer | Football

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Vinícius Souza, Sheffield United

You would think that a ball winner in a team that scored 104 goals in the league would not be highly regarded, but Vinícius Souza did everything he could to help. Sheffield United overcome the fall this season. Signed from Belgian club Lommel last summer, the Brazilian made the third-most tackles (125) in the Premier League this season and, although his distribution needs to be improved, the 24-year-old could prove a cost-effective option for a team in Need for a fighter in the middle of the park.

Gustavo Hamer, Sheffield United

It was not a surprise to see Gustavo Hamer kidnapped by a first division club last summer after an exceptional season with Coventry as they came so close to reaching the top level. Sheffield United had a torrid campaign, scoring just 35 goals in 38 games, but Hamer filled the role. He was directly involved in 10 of those goals (29%), scoring four and providing six assists. The 26-year-old, who was born in Brazil before growing up in the Netherlands, did not look out of place in the Premier League. The Blades will be keen to retain his services as they seek an immediate return to the top flight, but his first experience in the Premier League may leave him wanting more.

Wilson Odobert, Burnley

Wilson Odobert looked a little inconsistent at times, but that's to be expected from a 19-year-old winger. The Paris Saint-Germain youth player knew how to bother defenses, completing 2.3 dribbles every 90 minutes. He only contributed to five goals, scoring three, but his final product would improve if he played in a more established system under the guidance of an experienced coach. He has represented France at all youth levels (most recently at under-23s with Thierry Henry), so he clearly has potential.

Wilson Odobert shoots in Burnley's match against Nottingham Forest. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

Sander Berge, Burnley

Having won Burnley's Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season this season, Sander Berge is likely to be in demand this summer. The 26-year-old, whose parents played international basketball, had a solid campaign at Turf Moor. The Norwegian, with a commanding presence and solid possession, has the makings of a successful Premier League midfielder as long as he makes the right move.

Alfie Doughty, Luton

Alfie Doughty enjoyed an excellent debut season in the Premier League for Luton, with the 24-year-old flourishing in the left-back role under Rob Edwards. Given the freedom to support the attack, Doughty finished the season with 70 key passes, the most of any defender in the league and ninth overall in the division. With eight assists to his name as well, Doughty's stock has increased throughout the campaign. Clubs considering a move for an attacking full-back should take a close look at Kenilworth Road.

Ross Barkley, Luton

Luton's decision to sign Ross Barkley last summer raised eyebrows and not for the right reasons. Fast forward to the end of the campaign and the 30-year-old is a man in demand. Barkley did everything he could to keep the club in the Premier League, completing the sixth-most dribbles (66) in the division and contributing to nine goals (scoring five and assisting four). His performances will likely result in a return to Aston Villa on a permanent contract. Villa need a bigger squad to cope with the extra workload that comes with the Champions League. They must also be careful with profitability and sustainability rules, so the English midfielder could prove a smart addition to Unai Emery's team.

Ross Barkley celebrates after scoring against Arsenal at Kenilworth Road. Photograph: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Elias Adebayo, Luton

Despite being in and out of the Luton squad, and injuries not helping, Elijah Adebayo still scored 10 league goals this season. A goal every 142 minutes for a Luton team that scored 52 goals is, to say the least, respectable. Adebayo also finished the campaign with the second-best conversion rate (32.2%) in the league, showing the consistency needed in the final third to succeed in the Premier League. He may not be a headline-grabbing addition, but he would certainly bolster the attacking ranks of a mid-table club.

Oliver Arblaster, Sheffield United

Boyhood Blade Oliver Arblaster spent the first half of the season on loan at Port Vale, but was recalled to Sheffield United in December after suffering a knee injury. Chris Wilder was keen to play alongside the 20-year-old when he returned to fitness and started 11 Premier League games in the second half of the season. Sheffield United will be interested in retaining one of their prized youngsters, who signed a new four-year deal in February, but they may find it difficult to fend off interest from clubs such as West Ham and Aston Villa.

Teden Mengi, Luton

Were Manchester United too quick to cash in on Teden Mengi? The 22-year-old impressed in his first campaign with Luton. His reading of his game belies his tender years: he made more interceptions (57) than any other center in the division. Mengi was often in the right place at the right time and also finished the season with the 13th most clearances (136). His brilliant anticipation will not have gone unnoticed by interested parties.

Luca Koleosho, Burnley

Burnley's campaign could have been different had Luca Koleosho not suffered a season-ending knee injury against Wolves in December. The US-born Italian Under-21 international has looked incredibly brilliant in his 15 league appearances: he completed three successful dribbles every 90 minutes, the fifth-most in the league. Like his Burnley team-mate Odobert, he needs to offer more end product, but that should improve over time. Koleosho, still 19, proved to be a rare transfer for Burnley last summer.

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