Appearing in a World Cup is thought to be the pinnacle of the game for most footballers. The opportunity to represent one’s nation, on the world’s biggest stage, against some of the world’s best players is supposedly what all young boys dream of. However with such a wide audience, the World Cup infamously serves to act as a shop window for those seeking to move. For up and coming young talent, this is the best chance to make one’s mark in front of the watching world. For more seasoned campaigners looking for pastures new, this is a fine opportunity to prove that one still has the ability to perform at the highest level.

The following eleven players are all likely to be the subject of transfer speculation before, during and after this summer’s showpiece.

Hugo Lloris – GK – France

Having established himself as France’s undisputed number one, the Lyon man is one custodian likely to receive a lot of attention this summer. Recently named Ligue 1 Goalkeeper of the Year for the second year running, Lloris’ fine displays against English opposition in the Champions League over the past two seasons have garnered much attention from UK-based suitors.

The former Nice goalkeeper rejected a move to AC Milan two summers ago in favourite of Lyon, but with Manchester United looking to secure a long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar and Arsene Wenger looking for a top-class goalkeeper to replace the inconsistent Manuel Almunia, it will be no surprise if Lloris departs Les Gones this summer.

Aleksandar Kolarov – LB – Serbia

Serbia have been tipped as dark horses for this summer’s World Cup, and it is unsurprising when considering consider the wealth of talent they possess in their ranks. Aside from experienced, established campaigners such as Nemanja Vidić and Dejan Stanković, coach Radomir Antić has at his disposal a clutch of fine young players. Lazio defender Kolarov is one such player, and the Lazio defender is expected to make a big impact in South Africa next month.

Nicknamed the ‘Serbian Roberto Carlos’ due to his long-range and set piece shooting abilities, Kolarov is an attacking defender in the mould of traditional Brazilian full-backs. Jose Mourinho is said to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old, with rumours suggesting that the player was close to a move to the San Siro during the last transfer window. With Mourinho all but confirmed as Real Madrid coach, it is now thought that Kolarov may be on his way to the Bernabeu.

The Serbian international has expressed doubts over his future at Lazio, having told La Repubblica that, “Everyone knows that I want to join a team with ambition, but I do not know what my future holds and whether I will leave in the summer.”

Gregory Van Der Wiel – RB – Netherlands

Yet another product of the esteemed Ajax Academy, van der Wiel’s excellent performances for his side saw him receive international recognition within his second season of first-team football. Now fully established within the Netherlands fold, the 22-year-old’s superb foraging displays at right-back lead to the Ajax man receiving the prestigious Johan Cruijff award for Young Player of the Year for the 2009/10 season.

Unsurprisingly, van der Wiel has been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Eastlands and Emirates thought to be the most likely future destinations for the Dutchman. A quick, mobile, attacking right-back, van der Wiel is thought to be the ideal replacement for Bacary Sagna should the Frenchman decide to leave the Emirates this summer.

Simon Kjaer – CB – Denmark

One of the most coveted defenders in football today, Kjaer’s displays for Palermo over the last two seasons have drawn admiring glances from all over Europe. Compared to England captain Rio Ferdinand, Kjaer’s assured performances in the pink of Palermo have shown that the Dane has the potential to become a truly world-class centre-back.

Resigned to losing the Danish international’s services, Palermo have indicated that Kjaer can be prised away for the release clause fee of €12 million. Having come close to joining Tottenham in the January transfer window (this deal was alleged to have collapsed on the basis of Kjaer’s wage demands), Manchester United, Arsenal and Juventus are all thought to have exhibited interest in signing the Dane. However, it appears that the 21-year-old has his heart set on a move to Anfield, having said that, “England and the physical playing style would probably suit me better. In case the right offers come, it would be exciting to form a partnership with Daniel Agger at Liverpool.”

Nicolás Otamendi – CB – Argentina

Diego Maradona may have made a lot of questionable choices so far during his time as coach of La Albiceleste, but his decision to call up Nicolás Otamendi has been one of his more sensible ones. The 22-year-old Velez Sarsfield defender has completed a meteoric rise from unknown youth defender to established international within just two years, drawing comparisons to Argentine greats Roberto Ayala and Daniel Passarella along the way.

The left-footed centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, is reported to have drawn interest from a host of European clubs. Otamendi himself has expressed a desire to try his hand abroad, telling Calciomercato.com that “It’s a dream that Milan are interested in me. If I had the chance to play with the great players there, then it would be a great joy for me. I like the Italian league, but also the Spanish and English ones.”

Click here to see the midfielders looking to use the World Cup as a shop window this summer…

Yaya Toure – DM – Ivory Coast

Having fallen behind the likes of Sergio Busquets and Seydou Keita in the Camp Nou pecking order, it seems that the time may be right for Kolo Toure’s younger brother to depart Catalonia. Linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium several times over the last few years, speculation has suggested that the Ivorian may be used as a makeweight in Barcelona’s anticipated move for Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas.

However, Toure’s agent has quashed suggestions that his client is to move to North London. Instead, the likely Stamford Bridge exits of Joe Cole and Michael Ballack have fuelled rumours that Chelsea are to make a move for the Ivorian. Such a move would allow Toure to link up with international colleagues Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba, thus increasingly the likelihood that Toure is West London-bound. Nevertheless, such reported interest is mere conjecture at the minute, so Toure will be looking to use the World Cup as a shop window for a summer switch away from Barcelona.

Alexis Sanchez – LW – Chile

Nicknamed ‘the Wonder Boy’, Udinese starlet Alexis Sanchez is one player likely to capture the attention of watching scouts at this summer’s World Cup. Blessed with fantastic pace and dribbling abilities, the Zebrette winger is one of the most exciting players to originate from Chile since Marcelo Salas.

Flexible enough to competently operate anywhere within the attacking third of the pitch, Sanchez’s fine performances in Serie A are said to have attracted the interest of the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid. The forward-thinking 21-year-old is undaunted by the prospect of a fresh challenge, telling Sky Sports that, “My agent has told me that a lot of big clubs have asked about me. I’m still focused on Udinese, but I have personal ambitions this summer and England and Spain are sensational leagues.”

Miloš Krasić – RW – Serbia

The likes of Robert Prosinečki, Vladimir Stojković and Zvonimir Boban have all shown that Eastern Europe is a hotbed for playmaking talent, and the stunning performances of CSKA Moscow midfielder Miloš Krasić offer further proof that this is indeed the case. Having announced his decision to leave Russia after six years in Moscow, Krasić is set to spark a mad scramble for his signature, with a host of clubs rumoured to be interested in the 25-year-old.

Likened to Juventus great Pavel Nedvěd, Krasić announced himself to the mainstream arena with a string of impressive displays for his club side in the Champions League. Despite interest from Manchester United and Juventus, the San Siro appears to be the most likely destination for the playmaker, having informed Blic Online that “I am a Milan fan, and it would be a dream to wear the jersey.” However, the player’s agent has also alluded to the fact that a move to Germany may be on the cards, having told Sky Sports that “Bayern [Munich] would be his first choice because his best friend (Ivica Olić) is there.”

Click here to see the attackers destined to move this summer…

Mesut Özil– CAM – Germany

Determined to shed Die Mannschaft’s image as one of an ageing side, coach Joachim Löw has sought to inject fresh blood into his team of late. Alongside Marko Marin and Jerome Boateng, Werder Bremen midfielder Mesut Özil has benefited from Löw’s youth policy. Özil has quickly become one of the most important players on the national side’s teamsheet, indicating the ease with which he has made the transition to full international level.

Playing as a traditional playmaker, Özil has comfortably filled the shoes of Diego at club-level, becoming a key man for Die Grün-Weißen. The 21-year-old is noted for his pace, creativity and passion, and is sure to draw the attention of interested clubs this summer. Özil has already been linked with Manchester City’s millions, but strong rumours have emerged that cash-strapped Liverpool are set to make for the playmaker before the World Cup sends his value rocketing. Either way, I don’t expect to see the 21-year-old remain at the Weserstadion this summer.

Roque Santa Cruz – ST – Paraguay

A disappointing first season at Eastlands means that Roque Santa Cruz is likely to fall victim to the Manchester City axe this summer. After two successful seasons at Blackburn Rovers, the Paraguayan will be eager to prove this summer that his form at Manchester City has been a mere anomaly.

Santa Cruz, who spent years eight years with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich, is thought to be receptive to the idea of a move back to Germany. With Manchester City rumoured to be lining up a series of moves for German-based players, Santa Cruz may be used as a makeweight for any such deals. However, should the Eastlands side make straight-cash offers for such players, Santa Cruz will be keen to prove his worth to any potential suitors.

Luis Suarez – ST – Uruguay

Regardless of the World Cup, it is apparent that the prolific Suarez is likely to be one of the most sought-after players during the forthcoming summer transfer window. Scorer of an incredible 67 goals over the course of the last two seasons, it appears that the Uruguayan may have outgrown the surroundings of the Eredivisie.

Many will be intrigued to see if the current Dutch Player of the Year will be able to bring his deadly form to the World Cup, with a host of admirers set to run the rule over the former Groningen man. Despite a prohibitive £35 million price tag being placed on the head of the Uruguayan, it is thought that Sir Alex Ferguson would like to bring Suarez to Old Trafford in order to boost his side’s strikeforce. Inaugural UEFA Europa League winners Atletico Madrid are also rumoured to have expressed a desire in taking the 23-year-old to the Vicente Calderon as a potential replacement for Sergio Agüero, who looks set to depart Madrid this summer.

Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/zarifrasul