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Five youngsters to watch in the Premier League

Sports Mole identifies five youngsters that could make an impact in the Premier League next season.

With a number of Premier League clubs splashing the cash on foreign imports this summer, it remains as difficult as it has ever been for young players to force their way into the first-team squad of their respective teams.

Many have tried and failed to make that step up in recent seasons, but there are certainly a crop of youngsters that could enjoy a successful campaign in the Premier League, should they are given the opportunity to impress.

Here, Sports Mole has whittled that long list down to five players that could make an impact in England's top division next season.

Ross Barkley (Everton)

When Barkley burst onto the scene in the 2011-2012 season, Manchester United were immediately linked with the midfielder's services.

It didn't quite happen for the England Under-21 international last season, although he certainly impressed during loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.

At just 19 years of age, the powerfully-built midfielder certainly has the time to develop, while new Everton boss Roberto Martinez is said to be prepared to hand him a first-team role next season.

Barkley did manage seven league appearances for Everton last season despite spending time away from Goodison Park, but it appears that he is now ready to step up another level.

With the World Cup to come next summer, could Barkley be the player to force his way into Roy Hodgson's England thinking?

Everton's Ross Barkley in action on April 16, 2013© PA Photos

Yaya Sanogo (Arsenal)

Having signed the Frenchman on a free transfer this summer, it is a no-lose situation for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger next season.

The 20-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 21 games for Auxerre, has struggled for appearances in recent seasons due to a number of long-term injuries.

Sanogo's ability on the pitch has never been called into question, but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to keep the powerful forward away from the treatment room, something which has proved problematic thus far.

Unearthing French talent is hardly a new phenomenon for Wenger and his coaching team, with Sanogo the latest to be given the chance to develop in the Premier League.

Should the forward remain injury free during his time at the Emirates, it could prove to be another masterstroke from the Gunners.

France's Geoffrey Kondogbia is congratulated by team mate Yaya Sanogo against Ghana during the Under-20 World Cup on June 21, 2013© AP Photos

Adnan Januzaj (Manchester United)

A large number of prospects have tried and failed to make the breakthrough at United in recent seasons, but the general consensus is that Januzaj has not only the ability, but the temperament to make his mark with the Premier League champions next season.

Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson departed with a glowing reference of the 18-year-old, describing the young Belgian as "a beautifully-balanced player."

The former Anderlecht midfielder is known for his creative ability on the ball, while his running style has been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard.

New United manager David Moyes will not know too much about the young playmaker, but there is no question that those inside the club will be telling the Scotsman all about the promise of the teenage sensation.

Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj during a warm-up on May 19, 2013© PA Photos

Isaiah Brown (Chelsea)

West Bromwich Albion are understandably furious that Chelsea have poached the 16-year-old this summer, who is widely regarded as one of the best young talents in European football, let alone the Premier League.

The teenager made his first-team debut for the Baggies against Wigan Athletic last season, becoming the second-youngest player in Premier League history in the process at the age of 16 years and 117 days.

Brown has also represented England at both Under-16 and Under-17 levels, and is widely expected to grace the senior team at some point in the future.

At the tender age of 16, we must be careful not to expect too much from the midfielder, especially next season, but there is no question that he will be given the chance to impress at Stamford Bridge under the stewardship of a certain Jose Mourinho.

West Bromwich Albion's Isaiah Brown during the match against Arsenal on April 6, 2013© PA Photos

Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea)

The 18-year-old was one England Under-21 player that could hold his head high after their disappointing showing in the European Championships this summer.

Chalobah spent the entirety of last season on loan at Championship outfit Watford, helping the London outfit into the playoff final, where they were eventually beaten by Crystal Palace.

It is understood that Watford were keen to secure his services for another season, but Chelsea boss Mourinho wants the versatile midfielder to form part of his squad for the new campaign.

It is not too difficult to see why Chalobah is so highly-regarded, with the teenager combining an impressive work-rate and athletic ability with a thunderous shot and wonderful reading of the game.

It is unlikely that the Englishman will be a permanent fixture for Chelsea next season, but there is no question that he has the ability to make a big impact at Stamford Bridge in years to come.

Watford's Nathaniel Chalobah and Leicester City's Anthony Knockaert battle for the ball on May 9, 2013© PA Photos

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at his first press conference on June 10, 2013
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