HOT PURSUIT IN GOAL

Normally, the strikers are the big draw in the transfer market, at least in terms of fees and salaries. But this season, it is the goalkeepers who are making the carousel spin. Here are a few of the goalkeepers in heavy demand:

DAVID DE GEA

Present club: Manchester United Possible move to: Real Madrid It is likely that Real Madrid will reach a deal — quite possibly for three times as much as Cech’s transfer — to bring Manchester United’s outstanding Spanish keeper, David de Gea ( right), back home. United have reportedly cut their asking price for De Gea, worried they may have to let him off for free after his contract runs out next season.

HUGO LLORIS

Present club: Tottenham Hotspur Possible move to: Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain Although United signed Victor Valdés last season, it is likely that United will still pursue Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris. PSG are another side intent on bringing Lloris in. Since he is the club captain, Spurs are not keen to sell him.

STEVE MANDANDA

Present club: Marseille Possible move to: Tottenham Hotspur Spurs could sell Lloris to Manchester United after putting a price on him. If they do, the team will replace him in goal with the supremely agile Frenchman currently employed by Marseille.

IKER CASILLAS

Present club: Real Madrid Possible move to: Tottenham Hotspur, Roma, Crystal Palace With De Gea set to come in as the Real goalie, Casillas may have to move against his wishes. Crystal Palace have shown sudden interest in the Spaniard. Talks of Casillas moving to Roma have been rife for a while, whereas a vacancy at Spurs could entice him as well.

DAVID OSPINA

Current club: Arsenal Possible move to: Marseille Ospina was defiant and reliable in the second half of the season for Arsenal and for Colombia in the Copa America. With Cech coming in, Ospina’s the thirdchoice ’keeper after Wojciech Szczesny.