PAUL POGBA, JUVENTUS, 20

Manchester United would not be scouring Europe for fresh talent quite so frantically this month had Sir Alex Ferguson kept hold of this inspirational midfielder, who left Old Trafford as a teenager in 2012 after growing impatient for first-team football. He has since become essential to Juventus, an imperious presence in the centre for the Serie A leaders. He also captained France's Under-20 team to victory in last summer's World Cup and is tipped to star for his country's senior team in Brazil. United want him back and have been linked with a £40m bid this month. PSG are also keen.

JULIAN DRAXLER, SCHALKE, 20

Draxler became the Bundesliga's fourth youngest debutant in 2011, and has since built a towering reputation at club and international level, drawing scouts from across Europe, and sending his valuation soaring towards £40m. The gifted, versatile attacking midfielder is currently out of action until March with a tendon injury, meaning that a long‑expected January move to either Arsenal or Chelsea has been put on hold until the summer. Schalke's general manager, Horst Heldt, said: "We continue to hope that Julian will remain with us. But there are factors that we cannot influence."

ROMELU LUKAKU, CHELSEA, 20

In the two and a-half years since Chelsea forked out £17m to bring the then 18-year-old from Anderlecht to Stamford Bridge, the Belgium striker has developed into one of the most feared in the Premier League, even if José Mourinho remains curiously unconvinced. Lukaku has, however, proved vital to his loan clubs West Brom and Everton, using his power, cleverness and finishing skills to elevate them to higher levels while on loan – and insists he is content to bide his time and make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season. "Am I getting ready for Chelsea again? Of course. I want to become one of the best strikers in the world."

ADNAN JANUZAJ, MAN UTD, 18

Perhaps the only consistent bright spot in United's tough season, the focus on the teenage winger has been intense. Boasting balance, poise and an ability to drift through challenges, only an occasional dive has dented his image. Gary Neville said: "I've played at United and you're very conscious of adding too much pressure to young players. However, I genuinely think this guy could be one of the best in the world. I think he's that talented." Team-mate Darren Fletcher, meanwhile, feels Januzaj is as good now as Cristiano Ronaldo was at 18. "He is up there with some of the best players I have seen. He's a great kid, there's no ego. He wants to learn."

RAPHAEL VARANE, REAL MADRID, 20

Perhaps the game's finest young central defensive talent. The Frenchman, who joined Real from Lens for £9m in 2011 after a reference from Zinedine Zidane, has been linked to Arsenal, Manchester United and PSG, but the prospect of Real allowing him to move seems remote. Varane has pledged to overcome his recent injury issues and "meet these expectations … When you're 20, you just want to play. Clearly it's not easy, but it's normal. I can't rest on my laurels, I want to keep evolving." Real's Alvaro Arbeloa said last year: "The fact that he has reached this level so fast has taken everyone by surprise."

FLORIAN THAUVIN, MARSEILLE, 20

The attacking midfielder struck an impressive 10 goals in Ligue 1 while on loan at modest Bastia last season, then became France's new darling as his trickery, directness and goals helped his country win last summer's Under-20 World Cup. His popularity took a blow after that when he agitated for a transfer from Lille to Marseille but he has since justified the £13m that Marseille eventually paid. Toulouse coach Alain Casanova called him "a player in the image of Franck Ribéry … someone who is able to disrupt any opponent, someone very dangerous when he picks up speed. Very dangerous indeed."

GERARD DEULOFEU, BARCELONA, 19

Tagged as a wonderkid early on, Deulofeu signed a Nike advertising deal while a 14-year-old Barça youth teamer. He has never lacked confidence; once being disciplined for telling rival youth players as he left the field after being substituted: "Pass by the dressing room afterwards and I'll give you an autograph." He made eye-catching Premier League contributions for Everton last year before injuring his hamstring in December, but could return next month. Roberto Martínez, who was present for his debut against Real Mallorca in 2012, said Deulofeu had long been a target. "He stood out. From that point on I followed him."

MARQUINHOS, PSG, 19

Marcos Aoás Corrêa will only be 20 this summer, by which point he could be forming part of the defence entrusted with helping Brazil to win their home World Cup. He has the temperament to remain undaunted, the talent to succeed, and could benefit from playing alongside his club team-mate, Thiago Silva, with whom he enjoys a solid understanding at wealthy Paris Saint-Germain – who paid nearly £30m to sign him from Roma last year. Marquinhos calls Silva "my model, my idol. He represents so much for me and for the team."

LUKE SHAW, SOUTHAMPTON, 18

There is a hint of Stuart Pearce about Southampton's coveted left-back. Shaw has similar strength, both physical and mental, and even a similar kicking motion, whereby he seems to pass the ball crisply with his left foot like an ice hockey player slapping a puck. Solid defensively and relentlessly enterprising going forward, he seems certain to become a regular for England and for a Champions League club. Last week's boardroom upheaval at Southampton only added to the speculation about an early move, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City among the sides linked with £20m bids this month.

KURT ZOUMA, SAINT-ETIENNE 19

Another member of the France Under-20 World Cup winning side alongside Thauvin, the precocious centre-back has been a stalwart for Saint Etienne since he was 17 – his presence in the team over the last three seasons only disrupted by injuries. Blessed with exceptional power and technique, Zouma is also coveted by many for his leadership qualities. Several top clubs have been linked with bids –Arsenal, Manchester United, City, Tottenham and Swansea among them – but the player last week revealed he has already spoken to his first choice, Chelsea. "There was advanced contact last month. When a great man like Mourinho calls a little player like Zouma, it's nice. It doesn't happen every day. If you tell me to go to Chelsea, I'll go there immediately."