5 MLS stars that could soon attract Premier League attention

The Premier League campaign may be coming to a close but things have just got started Stateside with the MLS season just a few games in.

That doesn’t mean players in the American top flight aren’t up to speed, however, with a number of men from across the Atlantic hitting the ground running.

Here we look at five MLS stars who look as though they could cut it in the Premier League and might just create a buzz during the summer transfer window.

Octavio Rivero  – Vancouver Whitecaps

The 23-year-old started his career in his native Uruguay before moving to Chilean champions O’Higgins.

A tally of 10 goals from 16 games in his debut season caught the eye of the Whitecaps and he has carried that form onto North America, hitting five goals already this season to top the MLS standings.

With the likes of Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann and Kasey Keller all gracing the Premier League over the years the path from the US to the UK is well trodden for goalkeepers.

The 26-year-old is yet to earn international honours but tops the stats with 27 saves already this season and could be the next in a long line of successful American stoppers to join the English top flight.

Zardes enjoyed a breakout season for Galaxy last year, smashing 19 goals in all competitions and earning a call-up to the US international squad.

The 23-year-old is yet to find his groove this season, but a return to the form of last year could see a number of English clubs sit up and take notice.

The well-travelled 27-year-old has had a taste of Premier League life before, during a 2011 loan spell with Aston Villa.

However, successful spells with Chievo and Roma since then and the fact that he is now regarded as one of the top players in MLS shows a more serious attempt at Premier League success could yet materialise.

The number 10 pick in the first round of the 2012 draft, Finlay has not disappointed those who showed faith in his abilities.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign last year, top scoring with 11 goals and laying on a further seven strikes for his team-mates.

Yet to net this term, the winger has already racked up three assists and has the pace and creativity that could trouble many a Premier League defender.

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