The 5 biggest World Cup transfer rumors

Even one of the most entertaining World Cups in history couldn't spare us from the monotony of transfer rumors. 

This is what always happens, even as club allegiances are eschewed for national team colors for four weeks. Who's going where and for what make the football world go round and a number of high profile names at the World Cup have been linked with a move this summer.

Here are the top five players rumored to be trading spaces.   

5) Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)

Rumored suitors: Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal

Outlook: Ochoa is a free agent after his contract with relegated Ligue 1 club Ajaccio expired this summer. His performance in Brazil guarantees there will be no shortage of suitors for his services next year.

"Many clubs are interested in my client but we still have not received any concrete offers," Ochoa's agent told Spanish daily AS, via the Mirror. 

"Now it is normal that many clubs will be interested in him after he played so well at the World Cup."

Destination: Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers wants competition for Simon Mignolet, who struggled after the Christmas break last season. 

4) Arturo Vidal (Chile)

Rumored suitors: Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester United

Outlook: The Juventus star was plagued by a knee injury at the World Cup, playing at less than 100 percent for an entertaining Chile side. 

The big clubs know what he can do when he's fit, however, and a bidding war among Europe's biggest spenders is about to take place. Arsenal, seemingly linked with every player by the British rags this time of year, are believed to be the favorites, though Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also in the hunt.

Juventus is asking for a lot, reportedly £40 million to be exact. That is likely too rich for Arsenal's blood.

Destination: Staying put. Juventus will hold on to Vidal for one more season. 

3) Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

Potential suitors: Liverpool, Arsenal

Outlook: The Chilean star's future will be decided by what happens with Luis Suarez. What a place to be. 

Arsene Wegner's pursuit of Alexis appeared to be going well in Brazil, with various media outlets reporting the Gunners were close to locking the 25-year-old up. 

Things changed when Barcelona's decision to approach Liverpool regarding the sale of Luis Suarez became official. The Merseyside club are requesting a cash payment along with Sanchez in exchange for Suarez.

Destination: Liverpool. Rodgers could do much worse. Losing Suarez will sting, but Sanchez provides 1/10 of the headaches and 7/10 of the Uruguayan's skill. 

2) Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Rumored suitors: Barcelona

Outlook: This is going to happen. Both Liverpool and Barcelona have been far too public regarding the progress of the Suarez transfer for this to go south.

First, Barcelona praised Suarez for apologizing for biting people. Next, Liverpool President Ian Ayre said talks with the Catalan giants were 'productive.' 

The £80 million transfer could be contingent on Sanchez heading to Liverpool. Barcelona values the Chilean at £35 million. 

Destination: Barcelona. Suarez with Messi at Camp Nou? That's going to be fun. 

1) James Rodriguez (Colombia)

Rumored suitors: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Napoli, Tottenham

Outlook: The breakout star of the tournament doesn't play for a cash strapped club, Monaco are anything but, boasting the riches clubs around the world would envy. Their ambition, however, doesn't compare to the likes of Real Madrid.

Real Madrid is interested in signing James and the feeling is mutual. “I dream of playing in Spain," he told a Spanish radio station. "I prefer Real Madrid.”

This is going to take Gareth Bale type money to get something done. Is Real Madrid ready to break the back again, so soon?

Destination: Real Madrid, eventually. Maybe not this summer, but James will be Madrid bound soon enough.