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Monaco's five Premier League targets

Sports Mole assesses five Premier League-based players that are reportedly of interest to French outfit Monaco.

It seems that at this present moment in time, there are not many players in European football that Monaco have not been linked with.

Bankrolled by businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev, the Monegasque-based outfit have already sealed the arrivals of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Carvalho for an estimated £120m.

Their spending shows no signs of ending there though, and reports have started to emerge that manager Claudio Ranieri has identified a number of targets in the Premier League.

So, with that in mind, Sports Mole has assessed five England-based footballers that could be prepared to make the move to the Ligue 1 side.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

With just 12 months left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, Man City have to make a decision on Tevez's future. They either have to offer him a new deal or sell him - failure to do either could see them lose the Argentine for nothing next summer. Falcao's arrival is also unlikely to prevent Monaco from making their move because they are very different strikers. Tevez likes to come deep and link up with the midfield, while the Colombian possesses a more clinical touch. The pair could arguably form one of the most potent strike partnerships in European football.

John Terry, Chelsea

The former England international's future at Stamford Bridge is currently up in the air. Had Jose Mourinho not returned, it looked likely that the defender was heading for the exit door. However, even the reappointment of the 'Special One' might not be enough to save the 32-year-old's Chelsea career. There are doubts over the level of his recent performances, as well as a reported negative relationship with owner Roman Abramovich. All of which has resulted in reports that Ranieri, who managed Terry at the Bridge, is planning to swoop. It would be unlikely that Terry would want to play for another English club, so the chance to earn some tax-free money before his playing days come to an end may well appeal.

Patrice Evra, Manchester United

Full-back Evra knows all about life in Monaco, having spent four years with the club up until his departure for Man United in January 2006. It is widely accepted that the 32-year-old is not perhaps the defensive force he once was, with some teams last season having notably identified him as a weakness. What also could count against him at Old Trafford is the fact that incoming manager David Moyes is known to be an admirer of Leighton Baines, who has impressed at left-back for Everton over the last few campaigns. Evra does not give off the impression that he would be a good squad player - someone that would be happy to rotate and sit on the bench. So, if Baines were to arrive, he could opt for a return to Les Rouge et Blanc.

Daniel Agger, Liverpool

While the Denmark international is thought to be content with life at Anfield, speculation has claimed that he would be extremely tempted by a big offer from Monaco. He only signed a four-year contract with the Reds last October, which would mean that the Merseysiders are bound to demand a decent fee for his signature. That may be a problem for some clubs, but not for Monaco. It is thought that Ranieri would like to acquire a centre-back who is comfortable in possession of the ball and 28-year-old Agger would fit that bill.

Nani, Manchester United

The Portuguese winger is in the same boat as Tevez in that he has just one year left to run on his deal. A player that once looked as though he may go on to emulate his fellow Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani seems to have lost his way at United. Injuries haven't helped his progression, but it is thought that Ranieri is willing to offer him the chance to prove his ability. With Wilfried Zaha due to link up with the United squad later this summer, Moyes may also be willing to part with the former Sporting Lisbon player.

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Liam Apicella
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John Terry celebrates scoring the opener for Chelsea
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Paris Saint-GermainPSG16124044143040
2Marseille1593332181430
3MonacoMonaco1693426161030
4Lille1576225151027
5Lyon157442720725
6Nice156632819924
7Lens156631914524
8Auxerre156362323021
9Toulouse156361717021
10Reims155552018220
11Brest156182427-319
12Rennes155282020017
13StrasbourgStrasbourg154562527-217
14NantesNantes153571724-714
15Angers153481426-1213
16Saint-EtienneSt Etienne1541101234-2213
17Le HavreLe Havre1540111129-1812
18Montpellier HSCMontpellier1523101538-239


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