Making real history last weekend as they clinched a nail-biting 1-0 victory against Spain, England’s Young Lions won the European Under-21 Championship for the first time in almost four decades.
Enjoying what was a famous summer romp and writing themselves into the history books, Lee Carsley’s young squad certainly gained a fearsome reputation for their exciting brand of football.
Smashing a host of long-standing records during their European charge and also becoming the first team to record six successive clean sheets in the tournament’s history, England’s budding superstars have received a huge amount of praise.
With all of Carsley’s squad stealing many of Europe’s headlines over the past few days, a number of England’s summer heroes have attracted plenty of heavyweight interest.
Returning home as the first crop to get their hands on a European title in almost 40 years, we have taken a look at four U21 superstars that have been linked with a Premier League switch this summer.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Manchester City
Leading the Young Lions to European Championship glory last week and playing a crucial role in an England squad that did not ship a single strike over the summer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis certainly finds his stock at a red-hot high.
Gaining a string of plaudits and even name-checked by Gareth Southgate during the senior international break last month, the 21-year-old has plenty of Premier League admirers this summer.
Now entering the final 12 months of his current deal with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City, it has been reported that Pep Guardiola’s side value their homegrown star in the region of £15million.
Really impressing while on loan at a high-flying Burnley last season as he helped Vincent Kompany’s side secure an immediate top-flight return, The Standard are reporting that both West Ham and Fulham have already registered their interest in the England U21 skipper.
Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Forming a stunning partnership alongside Harwood-Bellis this summer and arguably the standout performer in Carsley’s camp, Levi Colwill has transformed into one of Europe’s hottest young defensive stars.
Enjoying a breakout campaign during his season-long loan switch to Brighton last season, the 20-year-old impressed many across the Premier League as Roberto De Zerbi’s men claimed a famous European ticket.
However, while Chelsea and new boss Mauricio Pochettino might have stated that the England U21 talisman is not for sale this summer, it remains to be seen if Colwill is seeking a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge before the transfer window slams shut.
Although the Blues might have rejected a £30million bid from Brighton last month, The Mirror are reporting that Premier League rivals Liverpool are monitoring Colwill’s situation in west London and are ready to swoop over the coming weeks.
James Trafford – Manchester City
Producing a moment that will live long in the memory after keeping out Abel Ruiz’s 99th minute penalty, James Trafford certainly cemented his spot in Three Lions folklore.
Becoming the first goalkeeper in European Championship history to record a clean sheet in each of his six appearances over the summer, Manchester City’s shot-stopper is already seen as a future senior number-one.
Following Harwood-Bellis in playing a vital role during Burnley’s Championship romp last season, it appears that the 20-year-old will be making a permanent return to Turf Moor over the coming few days.
It was announced last week that the Premier League returners have already agreed a deal with the English champions that could rise to a fee as high as £19million. However, BBC Sport are reporting that Guardiola’s side have included a buy-back option in their agreement with Burnley.
Max Aarons – Norwich
Featuring in all bar one of England’s European Championship appearances over the summer, it appears almost certain that Max Aarons will be ending his seven-year association with Norwich.
With the Canneries eventually having to settle for a disappointing bottom-half finish in the Championship last season, the 23-year-old has already confirmed that he will be leaving Carrow Road this summer.
While Norwich’s academy graduate might have previously been linked with the likes of Tottenham after bursting onto the scene a few years ago, Aarons believes that now is the perfect opportunity for him to progress his career outside of east Anglia.
Making 48 appearances across all competitions last season and already with Premier League experience under his belt, talkSPORT reported last week that West Ham are keen on striking a deal for the 27-cap youth international before the window slams shut.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
