Transfer Talk: Five Championship stars top-flight clubs could target

The Championship play-offs begin this weekend but Premier League clubs will already be aware of the top talent that the division has to offer.

James Maddison, Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins have all successfully stepped up from the second tier in recent seasons, proving that lots of the best business can be done in the domestic market.

We run the rule over five players who could be set for a move to the big time this summer.

Viktor Johansson

When Rotherham boss Matt Taylor was asked who the club's Player of the Season was, he answered: "Viktor Johansson — that's the easiest question I've ever been asked."

Viktor Johansson was instrumental in Rotherham's Championship survival bid, making more saves than any Championship goalkeeper and regularly taking the pressure off his defence with his presence in the box.

Just 24 years old, Premier League clubs can be confident that in signing the Swede they are nailing down their No1 position for several seasons to come.

The goalkeeper is contracted until 2025 but Rotherham would be unlikely to stand in his way should a big offer come along.

Jake Cooper

After six-and-a-half years and 300 appearances for Millwall, it could be time for Jake Cooper to fly the nest.

The dominant centre-back has missed eight Championship matches in four seasons with the Lions but fell just short of the play-offs each year, most agonisingly when surrendering a 3-1 lead against Blackburn last Monday.

Cooper, 28, is best known for his aerial ability in both boxes — winning more headers than any other Championship defender this season — but he also leads his positional rivals for key passes.

With one year left on his contract, a Premier League move could be on the cards.

Alex Scott

When Pep Guardiola describes you as an "unbelievable player", you have got something going for you.

Alex Scott's high-profile admirers are not just limited to the Manchester City boss either, with Liverpool, Newcastle and a long list of other Premier League clubs credited with an interest in him.

The 19-year-old only managed one goal and four assists this season but his ball-carrying and technical ability pass the eye test and earned him the Championship Young Player of the Season award.

Robins manager Nigel Pearson says it would take "a hell of a bid" for Scott to be sold but it seems likely that several top-tier clubs will be willing to tempt him.

Viktor Gyokeres

Like Scott, Viktor Gyokeres was being linked with Premier League moves long before the end of this campaign.

The Swede is still aiming to be playing top-flight football with Coventry via the play-offs, but it seems certain that he will be a Premier League player come August whether in a Sky Blue shirt or not.

Wolves have been credited with the most interest and their need for a striker means that a move to the Black Country makes sense.

Gyokeres scored 21 goals this season, with his dribbling and powerful finishing on the counter-attack well suited to the Premier League.

Iliman Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye ranked eighth for goals and third for assists in the Championship as he fired Sheffield United to promotion this season.

The 23-year-old's ball-carrying skills stand him apart, with only Brighton-bound Joao Pedro completing more dribbles in the division.

Considering that he also made three appearances for Senegal at the World Cup, it comes as no surprise that he has attracted Premier League attention.

The Blades will be hoping to keep hold of Ndiaye for their own tilt at Premier League survival, but interest from Tottenham and Newcastle could be difficult to resist.