IN THE SHOP WINDOW: The World Cup quarter-finalists playing for a big move
CRAIG HOPE: Every four years the warning sounds: Do not buy
players on the back of a good World Cup. Every four years, however, such
caution is duly ignored. Here, Sportsmail runs you through those for
whom this weekend's quarter-finals mean more than simply winning a place
in the last four.
Jackson Martinez, Toni Kroos and Daley Blind put themselves in the World Cup shop window
Every four years the warning sounds: Do not buy players on the back of a good World Cup.
Every four years, however, such caution is duly ignored.
And why not? After all, these are players who have seized the chance to showcase their merits on the biggest stage of all.
This weekend - at the business end of the competition - will be no different.
Skill school: Colombia's midfielder James Rodriguez has been one of the stars of the World Cup
It is the proverbial 'shop window' and there are no shortage of cash-laden customers peering through its glass.
We have already seen players such as Colombia's James Rodriguez catapult their star into another galaxy.
But there are countless others jostling for position in the shop front.
Here, Sportsmail runs you through those for whom this weekend's quarter-finals mean more than simply winning a place in the last four.
Belgium (v Argentina, 5pm, Saturday)
Divock Origi (Lille) - £10m
No
teenager has made a bigger impression on these finals and, having come
from the bench in each of the group games - scoring the winner against
Russia - the 19-year-old deservedly won a start for the last-16 tie with
USA. Again he used his pace, power and raw enthusiasm to unsettle his
minders and was unlucky not to add to his tournament tally. He has
outshone Romelu Lukaku and, given his team-mate's reputation on these
shores, it is little surprise to see Premier League clubs declaring an
interest. Liverpool are chief among them, although a loan deal back to
Lille is thought to be one of the conditions of a move.
Teenage kicks: Lille's Divock Origi has proved to be a star for Belgium
Colombia (v Brazil, 9pm, Friday)
David Ospina (Nice) - FREE
The
agile Ospina has conceded just twice in Brazil and will again have to
be at his best to deny the hosts on Friday. After six years in Ligue 1
with Nice - he signed for them when he was 19 - he will move on this
summer and Arsenal are said to be interested. After this tournament,
though, Ospina deserves to be more than just a back-up to Wojciech
Szczesny.
Top of the stoppers: Colombia's goalkeeper David Ospina has conceded just twice at the World Cup
Jackson Martinez (Porto) - £35m
The
27-year-old has already said he would jump at the chance of a move to
Arsenal and, with Arsene Wenger reportedly willing to pay his £35m
buyout clause, the striker could well end up in the Premier League. He
scored twice in the 4-0 demolition of Japan in the group stage and his
athleticism and eye for goal - he has 60 goals in 91 games for Porto -
make him one of Europe's most sought-after stars.
Premier League bound? Jackson Martinez has a £35m buy-out clause in his contract with Porto
Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina) - £30m
Fiorentina
aren't daft; after the winger's impressive entrance to Brazil 2014 they
moved swiftly to acquire full ownership from Udinese. Since then his
worth has amplified every time he has taken to the field. The
26-year-old couples flair with fight and a willingness to put a shift in
for his side. Indeed, no wideman ran further in Serie A last season.
But Cuadrado is more than just a marathon man, as his four assists and
one goal at the finals testify. Manchester United and Barcelona have
taken note.
On the rise: Juan Guillermo Cuadrado has helped Colombia make the quarter finals
Costa Rica (v Holland, 9pm, Saturday)
Keylor Navas (Levante) - £8m
The
goalkeeper has undoubtedly been one of the surprise stars of the
tournament, just as he was in La Liga last season. The 27-year-old has
conceded just twice and was decisive in the penalty-shootout victory
over Greece. Levante are demanding that Atletico Madrid pay the £8m
buyout clause in his contract but others are said to be circling.
No way past: Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas makes a save in a penalty shoot out against Greece
Celso Borges (AIK Solna) - £2m
The
midfielder has been key to Costa Rica's journey to the last eight, a
player who marries his craft to graft and is said to be the 'lungs' of
this enterprising side. His residence in the Swedish league remains
something of a surprise but that is likely to change after the finals,
especially given that he is still just 26 years old.
Getting stuck in: Ioannis Maniatis makes a challenge for Costa Rica against Greece
France (v Germany, 5pm, Friday)
Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad) - £25m
We've
been aware of the talented left-winger for a while given his reputation
when rising through the youth ranks - he also broke into the Sociedad
side at 18 - but only now is his star coming to the fore on the
international stage. He has thrilled at these finals with his pace and
trickery, and that comes on the back of a 16-goal campaign in La Liga.
At 23 years old Sociedad are aware of his market value and it will take
an offer north of £20m before they even entertain discussions.
Rising up: France forward Antoine Griezmann could command a fee of around £20m should Real Sociedad decide to cash in
Germany (v France, 5pm, Friday)
Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich) - £25m
The
24-year-old playmaker is reluctant to commit his future to Bayern - his
contract expires next summer - and Manchester United are ready to
pounce. Another commanding display against France, however, may well
alert some of the other European big boys and a battle for his signature
could ensue. Real Madrid are already among his admirers.
Wanted man: Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos is being watched by a number of top clubs
Holland (v Costa Rica, 9pm, Saturday)
Daley Blind (Ajax) - £10m
The
son of Ajax legend, Danny, immediately caught the eye with two assists
in the 5-1 win against Spain. Since then he has looked solid in defence
and bright in attack, sparking talk of Louis van Gaal taking him to
Manchester United. At 24, time is on his side and a more illustrious
setting then the Eredivise surely awaits, although the Dutch champions
will demand a fee of at least £10m.
Getting stuck in: Daley Blind played a key role in Holland's win over Spain in the opening game
Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord) - £7m
The
21-year-old defender has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks at both
club and international level. He is equally adept at centre-back or
covering at left-back and, given his tender years, a big-money move
could well be in the offing. Like team-mate Blind he has been linked
with United but FC Porto are also weighing up a £7m bid.
Rapid rise: Bruno Martins Indi has caught the eye of both Porto and Manchester United
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