There is bound to be much speculation over the summer and leading up to it so in advance here are 10 Football League players to keep an eye on over the summer.

1) George Long - The 18 year-old goalkeeper is highly thought of at Sheffield United having been promoted from their impressive youth system. Not only is he still very young, but he has proved a more than able deputy for injured first choice keeper Mark Howard and has kept five consecutive clean sheets.

2) Jacques Maghoma - The impressive winger has struck 14 goals this season helping Burton into the automatic promotion spots in League Two. Despite not exactly being the youngest at 26 and doing well at a lower level, the consistency of the Congolese wideman’s performances are unlikely to have gone unnoticed. Some may feel Maghoma would be a gamble, Similar players such as Mustapha Carayol who joined Middlesbrough from Bristol Rovers, have found it difficult to adjust to the demands of the Championship. Burton wouldn’t be in a position financially to turn down respectable offers.

3) Tom Pope - The Port Vale striker has had a sensational season netting 25 times to help his side into the promotion places in League Two. Pope has proved he is a deadly finisher after being let go by Crewe and could be destined for bigger things especially if his team cannot gain promotion. Even if they do you wouldn’t bet against the striker plying his trade in a higher division next season.

4) Harry Forrester - Released by Aston Villa as a youngster, he went on to have trials at Ajax who were impressed with what they saw, however, he rejected the Dutch giants an instead signed for Brentford. Forrester has netted 10 times from midfield so far this season and much of his good work comes from an attacking midfield role. There was talk of a return to his old club Aston Villa in January but nothing materialised and I’m sure other clubs will be in pursuit of the skilful midfielder.

5) Will Grigg - The 21-year old striker has impressed up front in an improving, young Walsall team. The powerful Irishman has 15 goals this term and Walsall boss Dean Smith is eager to tie him down for another two years, however Grigg has been attracting interest from Championship clubs and may have his head turned if they come calling.

6) Kyle McFadzean - The defender has been a bit of a stalwart for League Two Crawley Town. His solid performances have been a key factor in Crawley’s rise from the Conference into League One. Interest has been high in McFadzean with Bolton rumoured to be eyeing him, with Bristol City seemingly the only team to have made a rubber-stamped offer for the defender. It seemed likely he was on the move but no agreement was made and despite Crawley being one of the richer lower league sides it will be interesting to see if any clubs renew their interest.

7) Britt Assombalogna - The talented striker has been a real coup for Southend since joining on loan from Watford. Still only 19, it will be interesting to see whether he is part of Gianfranco Zola’s plans at Vicarage Road with the Pozzos' co-ownership meaning a flux of Udinese players have claimed first team places with opportunities for younger players clouded. These opportunities could be even more limited if the Hornets gain promotion. However, another loan move could be a possibility next season.

8) Luke Murphy - The energetic 23-year-old midfielder was a key factor in the Alex’s promotion to League One last season and has continued to impress this time round. There was rumoured interest from Stoke and Aston Villa in January but no official bid was made. Crewe have seen starlets Nick Powell and Ashley Westwood move to Man Utd and Aston Villa respectively and Murphy could prove the next highly regarded midfielder to depart.

9) Alan Judge - Dubbed the ‘Irish Messi’ by Notts County fans because of his close control, ability to pick a pass and goals from attacking positions. Judge himself admits he has been alarmed by the constant changing of managers and with his club unlikely to secure a play-off spot. He may feel its time to step up if there is sufficient interest over the summer.

10) Jon Taylor - At just 20, right winger Taylor has been ever-present for Shrewsbury this season and has scored seven goals so far. A host of Championship clubs, such as Blackpool and Crystal Palace, have reportedly shown interest and with the player out of contract in the summer there are likely to be a number of clubs waiting to pounce.

tractorblue99 added 20:47 - Mar 15 Thanks for this! Always good to know what's going on in the lower leagues.
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Pique added 20:54 - Mar 16 Forrester is a great shout. Was very impressed with him against Chelsea in the FA Cup. There'll be a few Championship (and maybe some Premiership) clubs looking at him, I suspect.
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BaltachaFanClub added 13:35 - Mar 17 Can I add a couple to your list ? both at Tranmere Rovers and looking handy are James Wallace (Midfielder) and the great named Max Power who plays more or less anywhere in the midfield
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Edmunds5 added 17:45 - Mar 17 Cheers for the comments guys, @BaltachaFanClub- course, they're good ones James Wallace is their captain I believe. Seems those who leave Everton go on and do well in a lower division i.e Jose Baxter who could also be added. Max Power a good choice, could have a big future ahead of him.
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warkthisway added 22:33 - Mar 18 Ivan Campo?
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Michael11 added 17:37 - Mar 19 Great post as always Edmunds5. Think every year the lower leagues are getting stronger and stronger with decent young players showing potential. I'd really like to see us sign a couple of pacey wingers who can run at defenders and put a cross in. Haven't had a proper flair player since Martijn Reuser.
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Edmunds5 added 17:48 - Mar 19 Cheers @Michael11 and completely agree with that, we've had players such as Darren Currie and Gary Roberts who have a trick or two but were never quite up to it and we're certainly lacking flair/pace, JET the nearest we've got really. Hopefully an aspect Mick will look at in the summer and I think he knows thats something we need to improve if we can reaistically challenge. We can't rely solely on our defence and hope we grab a goal.

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wkj added 06:32 - Mar 21 Ryan Colclough - young striker on the bench for Crewe Alexandra. pacey and intelligent- firs year on a pro contract and has yet to score but I'm going up to the Johnsons paint trophy final an really hope to see him play more as the boy is fast- definitely a youngster I'd love to see rise up and in a blue shirt soon
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wkj added 05:13 - Mar 22 I failed to say this before butting in with my observations but great article! apply to be a scout!
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Jeff_winger added 10:21 - Mar 22 wki I think Ryan Colclough has scored this season against Bournmouth, never seen him but heard he's good
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Edmunds5 added 12:05 - Mar 23 Cheers wkj I'll keep an eye out for Colclough, wouldn't surprise me if he does turn out a good player as Crewe rely heavily on their ability to bring up youngsters.
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