Top 3 Hot, Cold and Bargain World Cup Players for the Summer Transfer Window

When the World Cup comes to an end next week, the soccer world will focus on the transfer window in Europe. Traditionally headlining and breakout stars alike have used their performances in the World Cup to peak the interest of other clubs and gain leverage in transfer negotiations.

Here are three quick lists of players I think have improved their reputation, have lost a bit off their transfer fee, and who have positioned themselves as great bargains in terms of skill and price.

HOT

Carlos Tevez
As I mentioned in my Argentina-Germany quaterfinals prediction, Tevez is the engine of the Argentine team. His energy and bulldoggish never-say-die aggression has put him at the center of every team he's been on. Add to that his ability to score spectacular goals like his second one against Mexico and the fact that (love him or hate him, and I HATE him) he deserves Champions League Soccer, he might just become a transfer target.

Mesut Ozil
Germany has look clinically threatening and specatcularly dangerous when going forward during the World Cup. And at the heart of the German's success has been the 21 year old attacking midfielder, Mesut Ozil. And with Ozil and his agent have both indicated that he is open to moving to either England or Spain, a summer move away from Werder Bremen seems inevitable.

Wesley Sneijder
All the pre-World Cup buzz about the Dutch camp surrounded the fitness of in-form winger Arjen Robben. However, once the matches got underway, it was 26 year-old attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder who delivered the goods - including the two goals that lifted the Dutch past tournament favorites Brazil. With the impending shake-up of Sneijder's club, Internazionale following Jose Mourinho's departure, Snijder may be looking for a move and will have no problem finding suitors.

COLD

Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez relished in flamboyant displays against weaker teams and all but nonexistent when it mattered most (see Spain and Brazil). He may make a move away from Italian side Udinese this summer, but it won't be on the grounds of his World Cup performance.

David James
With his domestic club Portsmouth suffering a painful relegation to England's second tier league, the 39 year-old English goalkeeper may have been looking to prolong his career with a summer move. His indecisive performance against Germany, however, put an end to such hopes. Retirement now seems likely.

Fernando Torres
El Nino's skills are undisputed, but his performance at this World Cup has left something to be desired. If Torres makes a move away from the hemorrhaging train wreck that is Liverpool this summer, it will more than likely be to follow his former coach and mentor, Rafa Benitez to his new club.

BARGAINS

Keisuke Honda
Many people, including myself, expected nothing of Japan's soccer team in this World Cup. However, the Blue Samurai pushed into the quaterfinals at the expense of Denmark and Cameroon. Leading the charge for Japan was the midfield stylings of 24 year-old Keisuke Honda. He can shoot, he can open up a defense with a penetrating pass and he can calmly slot home a penalty kick. Honda would be a great bargain buy for a big name team looking to shore up depth in the midfield.

Michael Bradley
Bradley has already been identified as a rising star in U.S. soccer, but his performances at the World Cup - including a crucial tying goal against Slovenia - have solidified his status as an integral midfield workhorse. And at only 22 years of age, his prospects will only improve. If Bradley makes any move away from Borussia Mönchengladbach this summer, you can bet his performances for the U.S. men's national team at the World Cup will be a factor.

Winston Reid
New Zealand was another surprise in the early group stages of the World Cup. After going down one goal in their opener against Slovakia, defender Winston Reid scored a fantastic stoppage time goal to give the All Whites their first ever point in a World Cup competition. The Kiwis went on to put on defensive showcases against Italy and Paraguay, at the surprise of the World. The experience Reid gained during the tournament will make him an ideal target for mid-level clubs looking for a bargain this summer.