BBC SPORT | Football | Eng Prem



By Simon Austin BBC Sport Online

The relegation of Leicester, Ipswich and Derby will spark a feeding frenzy.

Every year the elite clubs pick off the best players from the relegated clubs who, shorn of Premiership television revenue, can do little to stop their prize assets leaving.

BBC Sport Online picks out the most players who will be most sought after from the relegated clubs.

Muzzy Izzet (Leicester)

Position: Midfielder
Age: 27

The Turkish international was on the verge of an £8m move to Middlesbrough earlier in the season but decided to stay at Filbert Street.

He is unlikely to stay with the Foxes now they have been relegated though.

Boro boss Steve McClaren has admitted he is still interested in Izzet and Celtic, Aston Villa and West Ham could be among the clubs competing for his signature.

The former Chelsea trainee is a compact, hard-working midfielder who boasts a wide range of passing and an eye for goal.

Chris Riggott (Derby)

Position: Defender
Age:21

The England Under-21 international has been one of the rare success stories for Derby during a bleak season.

His authoratitive performances at the heart of Rams' defence have attracted the attention of several clubs, including Liverpool.

Riggott joined Derby as a trainee and became a first-team regular at Pride Park last season.

His style is not flamboyant but he is a reliable and astute performer.

Malcolm Christie (Derby)

Position: Striker
Age: 23

A natural goalscorer who is one of the most promising young English strikers.

Scored two goals on his Premiership debut in January 2000 and went on to secure a regular starting spot in the Derby side.

Has endured a more difficult time this season, with the Rams struggling and Fabrizio Ravanelli and Branko Struper sometimes being preferred in attack.

Titus Bramble (Ipswich)

Position: Defender
Age: 20

The powerful defender made his Premiership debut last season and was quickly winning rave reviews with some impressive displays.

Bramble, a regular in the England Under-21s, is a commanding defender who has the ability to construct attacks from the back.

He can play in the centre of defence or at full-back and has been linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Was outstanding last season but struggled this term, making some costly errors and finding himself in and out of the Ipswich side.

Robbie Savage (Leicester)

Position: Midfielder
Age: 27

The Wales international may be one of the most controversial and unpopular players in the Premiership, but he is also a proven performer in the top flight.

Savage is a tenacious, committed midfielder who is capable of playing in the centre of midfield or out wide.

Has upset opposing players, managers and fans with his on-field style.

Linked with a move to high-flying West Ham earlier in the season.

Matt Holland (Ipswich)

Position: Midfielder
Age: 28

A regular in the Republic of Ireland side and one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership over the last two seasons.

An energetic, hard-working midfielder with an excellent range of passing.

Signed from Bournemouth for £800,000 in July 1997 and went on to captain the Tractor Boys to promotion and a place in the Uefa Cup.

This season has been much different though, with Ipswich slipping out of the Premier League.

Marcus Bent (Ipswich)

Position: Striker
Age: 23

Made a stunning impact after his arrival on a £3m transfer from Blackburn last November.

His goals pulled Ipswich out of the relegation zone and gave them hope that they could avoid the drop.

Bent possesses electric pace and an eye for goal and had been highly-rated at Blackburn before the arrival of Andy Cole forced him out of the first team.