As the season is drawing to an end, there is no doubt that the directors of various Serie A clubs have already started making transfer plans for next summer.

As usual, a lot of young diamonds have been discovered this season, with many of them either breaking through or consolidating their form of previous seasons.

Either way, there are a number of players that look to have played their way into moves to bigger sides. We take a look at a few who could be on the move in the summer:

Shkodran Mustafi (Sampdoria)

21 years old | Central Defender

A virtual unknown before the start of the season, Mustafi has been one of the revelations of this campaign. The defender has come on leaps and bounds since being released by Everton in 2012, after making just one substitute appearance for the Toffees.

The young German has flourished under the guidance of coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, putting in a number of assured performances at the back that have coincided with Samp’s surge up the table since the Serbian took over in mid-November. His wonderful performances led to his maiden call up to the senior Germany team in February by Joachim Low, and is sure to be in the reckoning for the World Cup side. Certain to be targeted by German Bundesliga sides in the summer.

Giacomo Bonaventura (Atalanta)

24 years old | Versatile Midfielder

One of the more underrated Italian midfielders in the competition, last year was probably his best campaign to date. Extremely versatile, he is able to play any of the midfield roles to a high standard.

After a somewhat slow start to this season, he has been central to Atalanta’s brilliant recent form in which they have won the past six matches in a row – with his match winning brace against Inter last weekend the pinnacle thus far. His form has meant that he has sky rocketed into Cesare Prandelli’s plans for the World Cup, and no one would argue against his inclusion if he keeps up his scintillating form. Linked with Fiorentina and Juventus in the past month.

Emil Hallfredsson (Hellas Verona)

29 years old | Central Midfielder

While his former midfielder partner [Jorginho] attracted most of the plaudits for Verona’s remarkable first half of the year, the Icelandic Hallfredsson’s role cannot be underestimated.

The 29 year old is somewhat of a late bloomer after a journeyman career that started at Tottenham Hotspur, but it looks like he has finally found his home in Verona. He may not be the most pleasing player to watch on the eye, but his influence is unquestionable, with his work rate and positioning providing the groundwork for the other magicians – like Juan Iturbe and previously Jorginho – to flourish. Could be a backup option for bigger clubs.

Bruno Fernandes (Udinese)

19 years old | Attacking Midfielder

The young Portuguese looks set to be the next gem from the Udinese production line after a blistering debut season in the Serie A.

After spending last season acclimatizing to Italian football on loan at Serie B side Novara, Fernandes has made the step up to the top flight quite easily. Often compared to former Portugal and AC Milan legend Rui Costa in their playing styles, it is impressive to see the youngster conduct the strings in the midfield for Udinese at such a tender age. The future is bright for Fernandes, and a move to a bigger club is inevitable for the classy midfielder.

Paulinho (Livorno)

28 years old | Striker |

After a superb season in Serie B last campaign, the Brazilian has more than lived up to his reputation. After netting 20 goals in 41 appearances last season in the second division, the hitman has relished the step up in quality by netting 11 so far and has proved the match winner on many occasions for the Amaranto this season.

Although his age can be a deterrent to many clubs, his record over the past few years ensures that whoever signs him will be signing a proven goal scorer. Wanted by Newcastle, Sunderland and Southampton in January.