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5 MLS players that Premier League clubs should be looking at

Fanendo Adi, Portland Timbers

Appeals to: Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland

To fans of FC Copenhagen, the name Fanendo Adi should be familiar. The Nigerian forward spent time at the Danish club before joining the Portland Timbers on loan in 2014. Impressing Caleb Porter, Adi netted 9 times in 18 starts and was signed permanently by the club not long after.

Standing at 6ft 4, Adi’s assets are obvious. Big, strong, and imposing, he has consistently bullied opposition defenders in Major League Soccer, and would not struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League. A brilliant finisher with 10 goals in 20 games for Portland this season, that form saw Scottish giants Rangers to watch him recently.

Still just 25-years-old, there’s an opportunity for the Nigerian to grow further and refine his game as a target man. The kind of player that would need either a smart playmaker or speed around him, (he has both at Portland) he would also be ideal for a team that likes to use wingers and put crosses into the penalty box, such as West Brom or Crystal Palace.

Fabian Castillo, FC Dallas

Appeals to: Swansea, Bournemouth, Watford

If one player on this list stands out as being most likely to leave MLS soon it is Fabian Castillo. Far from eager to jump at the first offer that comes his way, he recently spurned a bid from Turkey to remain in Dallas, but it seems only a matter of time before more suitors from Europe arrive.

The rabona assist was just the cherry on top. #DTID https://t.co/lCIlYy8fJN

The Colombian winger is lightning fast, and has a variety of tricks to supplement his blistering speed.

Just take his most recent assist for FC Dallas. Not content with a traditional delivery, the 24-year-old decided to produce a rabona cross for Max Urruti to head in. Typifying his delightful style of play, his speed and tricks would be ideal for a place like the Premier League in which such attributes tend to mean success. Quickly earning a reputation for thriving in big games, this week also saw him score an extra time winner over fierce rivals Houston Dynamo in the US Open Cup.

With his rabona habit he might seem the perfect compliment to Erik Lamela at Spurs, but actually a move to Swansea or Bournemouth would make more sense. Swansea have previously scouted Castillo, and he does hold bear similarities to Jefferson Montero, who they picked up from Mexican football in 2014.

Said to be valued at around $4-5million by current club FC Dallas, if Premier League clubs feel like taking the small risk they could very easily have a dangerous winger with a habit for entertaining.

Jack Harrison, New York City FC

Appeals to: Burnley, Southampton, Stoke City FC

The only Englishman on our list, Harrison is a curious case. A member of Manchester United’s academy in his youth, he left Old Trafford for the United States at 14, and has now forged a career at NYCFC, (a club owned by rivals Manchester City) . Regardless, Harrison offers pace, tricks, and a maturity on the ball that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the likes of Frank Lampard and David Villa, (you can read more on that here).

Textbook curler. Jack Harrison doubles @NYCFC’s lead heading into the half. #MTLvNYC https://t.co/6XxOexBKQx

One of the main reasons behind NYCFC’s turn around this season, Harrison has the knack of being decisive in key moments, and at just 19-years-old, there’s still a wealth of time for Harrison to develop into a top level player. That could appeal to a newly promoted team like Burnley or a club like Southampton.

When asked about a future in English football, Harrison told Yahoo Sport UK he would be interested in one day returning home, and that should alert Premier League clubs to start watching Harrison. Perhaps a left-field suggestion, it’s worth noting that Peter Beardsley also spent an early part of his career in North American soccer, with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and it seemed to do him no harm.

Cyle Larin, Orlando City

Appeals to: Burnley, Swansea, Hull City

Few players have taken to MLS as seamlessly as Cyle Larin. Drafted first overall by Orlando City in 2015, the forward netted 17 goals in his debut season, which in turn surpassed Damani Ralph’s single season scoring record for a rookie.

Adding to that with another 9 goals in 18 games this campaign, Larin is starting to get looks from European clubs already. Portuguese giants Benfica and Sporting have this week been linked with the Canadian, and it’s easy to see why. Strong and mobile, Larin also possesses an ability to link up play in the final third. His partnership with Brazilian midfielder Kaka has at times been devastating, and one of the few reasons Orlando are still in with a shot of making the play-offs this season.

Still in need of refinement, Larin has a nasty habit of drifting in and out of games. An ideal signing for a team that is looking for a strong forward to lead their attack, he could also work for a newly promoted side that wants to take a risk on a striker with lots of potential. Larin previously had interest from clubs in Germany and Belgium in his youth, and while he won’t ever comment on which teams took an interest, it does suggest he has the potential to make it at the highest level one day.

Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union

Appeals to: Hull City, AFC Bournemouth, West Bromwich Albion

ANDRE BLAKE!!!! HUGE DOUBLE SAVE!! pic.twitter.com/vSNU8YXa2f

A talented goalkeeper, Andre Blake holds the record of being the only goalkeeper to be drafted first in an MLS SuperDraft. The Jamaican has taken some time to earn the starting spot for Philadelphia, but it has been worth the wait.

Producing a number of sensational stops for the Union this season, his form has not gone unnoticed. Blake was selected for the prestigious MLS All-Star game against Arsenal next week, with the 25-year-old tipped to start against the Gunners.

A star with his country during the Copa America Centenario, Blake’s shot stopping ability may be brilliant, but his distribution is not. One of the few areas that he must work on to reach the next level, some time spent working with the ball at his feet would also benefit Blake.

A perfect candidate for a team battling against relegation, or a club that needs a reliable back-up with potential, Blake has all the foundations to be a very good goalkeeper. Give him experience, and time to mature, and he could prove to be a very astute piece of business, much like Tim Howard was when he departed MLS for the Premier League in 2003.