Going into another summer of transfers it would be easy to concentrate on the flair and creative players who will undoubtedly join the Premier League bandwagon this summer.

But defensive players will also be in demand, Chelsea and Manchester United’s success this season has been built on a strong backline. But don't rule out moves by both clubs to reinforce their back line even more.

Almost all the clubs challenging or looking to improve will be buying defenders this summer. Arsene Wenger is known to be looking for a dominant centre back, who perhaps could lead the Gunners as well. Kevin Keegan (Newcasgtle), Juande Ramos (Spurs) and David Moyes (Everton) are all likely to splash the cash on defensive reinforcements once the season ends.

'He [Metzelder] could well solve the seemingly permanantly leaky Toon defence. He is considered a crucial part of Germany's squad for Euro 2008'


Here are four defenders who would undoubtedly improve almost any team in the Premier League and will likely be playing in England next season.

Carlos Cuellar: After his displays for Rangers this season, the Spanish defender could be one of the most highly sought-after players in world football. Cuellar has been dominant in the air both defending and in attacking areas and has been a key reason why Rangers are still chasing a quadruple in May.

The towering central defender has great technique and his qualities and brilliant displays this season have been rewarded this week when he was voted the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year to add to the other individual awards.

Spurs are rumoured to be interested in signing Cuellar for £10m, which puts into perspective what a bargain Walter Smith pulled off in the summer, securing the defender for just £2.37m.

Cristoph Metzelder:  The German centre-back is one of the best in the world and due to his largely unsuccessful season at Real Madrid is likely to move on this summer. In the World Cup of 2002 he was voted “Best Player under the age of 23” and since he can play at right-back or centre-back he would suit many teams in England.

The 6ft 4ins defender has already been linked with Newcastle and he could well solve the seemingly permanently leaky Toon defence. He is considered a crucial part of Germany’s squad for Euro 2008 and if he is fit in time and impresses in Austria and Switzerland there could be a number of clubs after the German.

Sergio Ramos: According to Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Chelsea have offered 70m Euros for the Real Madrid defender. The 21-year-old is one of the finest talents in Europe, a regular for Spain as well as the La Liga Champions.

Right-back is a problem position for Chelsea and it is likely that there will be new arrivals at Stamford Bridge for this position in the summer. Ramos, however, is contracted to the Spanish giants until 2013 and may feel his future prospects will be better served by staying at Real.

Jose Bosingwa: The Porto right-back has been on the verge of a move to Manchester United for a long time. The Portuguese international will offer an attacking threat and could well provide the same quality Patrice Evra has on the left of the United defence.

Considering the number of brilliant left-backs in the Premier League (Evra, Clichy, Cole, Bridge and Lescott) it is somewhat strange that only Sagna and Hutton stand out on the right. Especially when one considers that neither of the Champions League finalists will field a quality right back in Moscow unless Essien plays there for Chelsea or United plump for Gary Neville.

The Kinshasa-born defender has also been linked with Aston Villa and Liverpool as well as United so it can only be a matter of time until Bosingwa moves on and makes his mark in England.