Top5 - Number 2: Ishak Belfodil (Parma)

Who: Born in Algeria, the 21-year-old has represented France at U17, U18, U19 and U20 level due to the significant time he has spent in the country. At just 5-years-old he signed for a local Parisian side Elancourt, before learning his trade with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Boulogne Billencourt, Clermont and finally Lyon before he got his break. He gradually worked his way into the Lyon first team before being loaned to Italian side Bologne in 2012. He would soon switch to Italy on a permanent basis, this time with Parma who secured his signature in a deal worth around €2.5m.

Where: Arsenal have been touted as the favourites to to poach the youngster from his current side, and his 7 goals this term will not have done anything to change Arsene Wenger's blatant admiration for the striker.

Why: Belfodil is blessed with strength and power, but he is also very quick with the ball. His 6ft3 frame is a key factor for his attacking colleagues who know that he is able to cope with balls into the box, and is capable of holding the ball up and inviting others into play.

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Top5 - Number 3: Giampaolo Pazzini (AC Milan)

Who: The 28-year-old Italian has spent his entire career in the Italian leagues thus far, representing Atalanta, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Inter and now fellow San Siro outfit AC Milan. He has also represented the Italy national side on 24 occasions and helped himself to 4 goals a long the way. However, his goal scoring record at club outshines that at international, with Pazzini already scoring 10 goals in the current Serie A season.

Where: Despite currently being in his debut season for the Rossoneri, Manchester City have been reportedly been keeping tabs on the striker. He has also been linked with various Spanish clubs, such as Valencia and Atletico Madrid.

Why: Pazzini is your typical, busy forward who never gives the opposing defenders a moments rest. Whether he is receiving the ball to feet, in the air or given a pass to run on to, you can be sure that he will deliver goals.

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Top5 - Number 4: Marek Hamsik (Napoli)

Who: One of the most creative midfielders in Europe who has been a key figure for Napoli over the last 5 years. A Solvakia international with 60 caps to boast about, Hamsik has ensured that every football fan knows his talents. His career came to light after a move to Brescia in 2004, where he made 65 appearances over 3 seasons before switching to Napoli. He has now played over 200 games for Azzurri, scoring 57 goals.

Where: There have been a number of clubs interested in securing Hamsik's services over the last few years, but it is Spurs who are said to the latest. Andre Villas-Boas is reportedly a big fan of the 25-year-old and a switch to White Hart Lane could prevail in the near future.

Why: Despite his natural position being in the middle of the pitch, pressing high to support the striker, Hamsik certainly has the eye for the net and ability to bag a sensational goal for himself. He also possesses lightning-quick footwork and the pace to match most across the footballing world.

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Top5 - Number 5: Erik Lamela (Roma)

Who:  Lamela is a young, exciting playmaker who originates from Argentina. Since progressing through the River Plate youth system and playing one full season for the first team, the 20-year-old has made a €14m switch to Roma and slowly made his name for himself on the European stage, with 45 appearances and 14 goals so far. He also won his first cap for Argentina in 2011 in a friendly game against Paraguay.

Where: There have been whispers that Chelsea have been keeping their eye on the youngster. He has often been touted as a perfect long term replacement for Frank Lampard, who looks set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Why: One of the most energetic players in Italy, Lamela prides himself on his driving runs from midfield and his neat link up play with the forwards which often allows him to display his composure in front of goal. 

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Top6 - Number 1: Cristiano Ronaldo

When: 2003

What happened: In an interview in 2010, former manager Gerard Houllier explained “I saw him [Ronaldo] in the Toulon Under-21 tournament and we went for him, but we had a wage scale and we weren’t paying the sort of salary he wanted.”

Houllier turned down the Sporting teenager in order not to break the wage structure and unsettle the dressing room. Some reports claim Sporting were asking just £3m for the player - who joined United for £12m shortly after.

What could have been: A very different story, for both Liverpool and their rivals Man United.

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Top6 - Number 2: John Terry

When: Summer 2004

What happened: According to Phil Thompson's book, Liverpool were set to sign Terry if they had qualified for the Champions League instead of Chelsea. Alas, Liverpool lost at Stamford Bridge on the final day of the season and Roman Abramovich bought the club... the rest is history!

What could have been: A centre-back pairing of Carragher and Terry at Liverpool - long before Terry was the controversial figure he is now.

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Top6 - Number 3: Nicolas Anelka

When: Summer 2002

What happened: After 22 appearances and 5 goals during a successful loan spell from PSG, Liverpool had the option to make the deal permanent and sign the prolific forward. Instead, Gerard Houllier opted to spend £10m on the fore-mentioned Diouf. Houllier’s Liverpool had finished the season before in second place and never recovered from a terrible summer of signings.

What could have been: There would have been no serial-spitter Diouf at Anfield and Anelka, rather than smashing them in for Chelsea, would have done so at Anfield.

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Top6 - Number 4: Dani Alves

When: 2006

What happened: Rafa Benitez wanted Alves and his club, Sevilla, agreed to sell to Liverpool. But chief executive Rick Parry refused to meet their £8m asking price. 2 years later Alves joined Barcelona for £23m and became the most coveted attacking full-back in world football.

What could have been: Some reports at the time suggested Benitez wanted Alves to play in a more advanced role than full back. Not a bad thought for a resurgent Liverpool team who had won the Champions League a year earlier.

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Top6 - Number 5 Michael Laudrup

When: Around 1985

Details: Kenny Dalglish writes in his book how Laudrup got as far as taking a tour around Anfield but the move didn't materialise.

What could have been: Quite simply - one of Europe’s finest ever players lining up in what was already one of Liverpool’s best ever teams. Laudrup, Dalgish and Rush? Not a bad front three!

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Top6 - Number 6 Teddy Sheringham

When: 1994/1995

What happened: Quite recently in fact, Roy Evans confirmed how he wanted to sign Sheringham from Tottenham but the board blocked the move. Evans explained that the board felt Sheringham, at 28, was too old. Liverpool signed the controversial Collymore instead.

What could have been: Sheringham and Fowler - potentially an extremely prolific partnership. There would also have been no Sheringham at Man United, would their 1999 treble have happened?

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