Five Afcon superstars to watch out for including striker linked with Man Utd transfer and defender chased by Tottenham

FOOTBALL fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the African Cup of Nations.

A host of players from across the world will converge on the Ivory Coast for the tournament – originally scheduled for summer 2023 before it was moved over fears about playing in the rainy season.

AFP

Sadio Mane lifted Senegal’s first ever trophy[/caption]

Reuters

Other familiar faces such as Mohamed Salah will be in action[/caption]

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Victor Osimhen will all be in action for their respective nations following tomorrow’s kick off.

However, there are also a number of emerging stars who have impressed at their clubs in the first half of the season.

Even more eyes will be on them as they look to guide their country to glory,

SunSport have highlighted five such stars who will be worth keeping an eye on.

Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Stuttgart)

Reuters

Serhou Guirassy has been giving Harry Kane a run for his money[/caption]

Guirassy’s impressive form saw him break a Bundesliga goal record

The striker almost all Premier League clubs have been linked with this month.

Guirassy, 27, has 19 goals in all competitions and is only behind Harry Kane in the goalscorer standings for the Bundesliga.

With his release clause at just £15.2million there will be plenty of eyes on the forward during AFCON.

Despite the complications of making a move happen during the tournament, his record suggests he will be worth it.

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Mohamed Amoura (Algeria/Union SG)

Alamy

Mohamed Amoura has scored 17 goals for his club this season[/caption]

The young forward has really hit his stride with Belgian club USG this season with 17 goals and three assists so far.

Amoura, who has been linked with Wolves, could become the latest young player to make Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who has a 25 per cent stake in USG, a huge profit.

Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso/Leverkusen)

AFP

A number of clubs will be keeping tabs on Edmond Tapsoba[/caption]

Tapsoba has impressed for Bundesliga topping Bayer Leverkusen

The young centre-back could come at a high price for any Premier League suitors, with French giants Paris Saint-Germain also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.

Confident on the ball and having also shown a goal threat with three for Bayer Leverkusen this season, Manchester United and Tottenham may want to act on their reported interest sooner rather than later.

Geny Catamo (Mozambique/Sporting)

The speedy right-winger is known for his ability and confidence on the ball, happy to run at and take on defenders all day.

Catamo, who has been watched by Fulham and Aston Villa, is handy over set pieces but, with just one goal and assist in the Portuguese top flight, must show he can add end product to earn a move.

Boulaye Dia (Senegal/Salernitana)

Getty

Boulaye Dia will be hoping Senegal can repeat their winning trick[/caption]

Dia has shone despite Salernitana’s struggles

A striker who has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Dia, who was born in France and once had a trial at Airbus UK in Wales, has been tracked by West Ham and Crystal Palace in the past and could jump back on their radars quickly with an impressive tournament with Senegal.

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