MARCUS BERG (SWEDEN)

Age: 22; Club: FC Groningen

HE WENT into the tournament as a relative unknown.

But his spectacular performances for Sweden as they bulldozed their way into the semi-finals caught the imagination of the host country.

Along the way, he broke the goal-scoring record for the Under-21 Finals with seven goals, including a hat-trick against Belarus and a brace against England.

Not surprisingly, he is now a wanted man. FC Groningen look set for a bumper bonus as a throng of top European clubs clamour for the striker's signature.

The former Gothenburg player, who moved to Holland in 2007 for £2.5 million ($6m), has reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Ajax Amsterdam, Everton and Arsenal.

A fee of close to £10m has been bandied about.

The Swede has netted 33 goals in 56 games for Groningen, and 10 goals from 19 matches at Under-21 level and one from seven senior appearances for Sweden.

Berg, known for his aerial and finishing abilities, admitted that a move to Spain or England would be a dream come true.

FABRICE MUAMBA (ENGLAND)

BORN in Congo, his family uprooted to England when he was a kid to seek political asylum.

His footballing abilities won him a place in the Arsenal youth academy where he was nurtured by Arsene Wenger.

He later moved to Birmingham, where he was touted as the new Patrick Vieira, before heading for Bolton last year. After a disappointing season, he emerged as England's leading light in the Euro Under-21 Championship.

A wonderful defensive midfielder who tackles well and reads the game astutely.

MANUEL NEUER (GERMANY)

A REGULAR for his club in the German Bundesliga, Neuer was one of the main reasons for his country's success in Sweden. Steady, well-built and charismatic, his confidence between the sticks spreads throughout the defence.

It is no coincidence that Germany conceded just one goal in five matches.

Dares to be unorthodox, as seen when he hoofed a Mario Balotelli shot instead of saving it with his hands in the semi-finals.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich recently ended their courtship of Neuer after Schalke stubbornly refused to negotiate.

JEROME BOATENG (GERMANY)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR fans must be wondering if the club bought the wrong Boateng after all.

The younger brother of Spurs flop Kevin-Prince, Boateng was a crucial player in the German central defence.

A cool customer who is rock solid at the back and equally comfortable bringing the ball out of defence.

Easily the defender of the tournament, Boateng put in stirring displays and has attracted the interest of top European clubs, including Inter-Milan.

MARIO BALOTELLI (ITALY )

NEVER mind the suspect temperament.

With talent like his, there will be no lack of takers if he decides to seek greener pastures.

Blessed with searing pace and a powerful shot, he plays like a souped-up version of Obafemi Martins.

His poor relationship with Inter-Milan coach Jose Mourinho may see him a seek a move out of the club though.

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is known to be a huge fan, while Spurs may soon make a move as well.

OLA TOIVONEN (SWEDEN)

AN UNSELFISH player who was the perfect foil for Berg in Sweden's attack.

His skills, movement and passing ability are a delight to watch.

Talk has it that he is an even better finisher than Berg.

Moved from Malmo to PSV Eindhoven at the beginning of last year, although reports suggested that West Ham were also interested in the player at that time.

But if he goes on at this rate, a move to the Premiership won't be too far away.

GOJKO KACAR (SERBIA)

IF MAN UNITED show an interest, there has to be potential in the player.

Kacar started the tournament in defence, and ended up playing in attack.

Such is the versatility of the player, who plays either as a central defender or defensive midfielder for his club.

Technically superb, he is a real leader on the field.

Scored Serbia's only goal of the tournament in the loss against Sweden, although he could have added to his tally had his spectacular scissors-kick against Italy not rebounded off the woodwork.

SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO (ITALY )

FORMICA ATOMICA (atom ant) is what the Juventus fans call him, because of his diminutive physique and brilliant skills.

Could have easily won the Player of the Tournament award had Italy reached the final instead of Germany.

At the 2008 Toulon Tournament, he already showed promise and was voted Most Valuable Player.

Played well for Italy in every game, and always a handful for the opposition.

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli described him as a foundation of the club's future.