Sol Campbell (Tottenham to Arsenal, 2001) England defender Campbell courted huge controversy when he moved across north London. Having allowed his contract to run down to seek a move to a Champions League club, Campbell attracted much interest but made a decision for which he is still reviled by Spurs fans.

Patrick Kluivert (Ajax to Milan, 1997) Holland striker Kluivert was was the golden boy of Ajax in the mid-1990s, a homegrown star who helped the club win the Champions League. But he sought wider recognition and greater glories and declined a new contract to join AC Milan.

Steve McManaman (Liverpool to Real Madrid, 1999) Winger McManaman was another homegrown hero who at times carried Liverpool during some relatively lean years in the 1990s. The club wanted to build a future title challenge around him and the likes of Robbie Fowler and Owen but a delay in agreeing a new deal fuelled speculation and he eventually signed a pre-contract agreement to switch to Spain.

Brian Laudrup (Rangers to Chelsea, 1998) Danish great Laudrup enjoyed four hugely successful years at Ibrox, where he is still regarded as one of the club's greatest-ever players. He then decided to move on and challenge himself in the Premier League but he was unable to repeat his Rangers heroics at Chelsea and his spell at Stamford Bridge was brief.

Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to AC Milan, 2008) Frenchman Flamini emerged as a strong player in the Arsenal midfield last season after the club challenged him to prove he was worth a new deal. That backfired on the club as Milan tempted him to move to the San Siro. It was claimed the move was also financially motivated, but Flamini denied this.