David Villa (pictured above)
The Valencia striker is hot property after his goalscoring exploits for Spain at this summer's Euro 2008. He has since cited his desire to stay at the Mestalla – where he has plundered 68 goals in 113 games – but, with the club in a state of financial uncertainty, the 26-year-old may be forced to leave. Real Madrid want to keep him in La Liga and Tottenham are expected to make a bid this week.
Rafael Nadal
The World No2 could be about to dethrone the king at the top of the tennis rankings, if he wins the Cincinnati Masters tomorrow. Roger Federer has been on the wane and yesterday morning's third round defeat to Ivo Karlovic leaves the door open for his Spanish rival to end his record run of 234 consecutive weeks at the sport's summit.
Kimi Raikkonen
The world champion has nowhere to hide after failing to record podium finishes in his past two races. Seven points behind Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers' Championship, he will need to win in Hungary tomorrow.
Padraig Harrington
The recently crowned double-British Open winner set his sights on a US Major immediately after his victory at Royal Birkdale, and will be full of confidence when the US PGA Championship starts on Thursday. Oakland Hills provides the scene for the $7m event and, with Tiger Woods unable to compete for his third successive title, Harrington will be among the favourites.
Andrew Flintoff
The England bowler took his 200th Test wicket this week in the third Test against South Africa and will need to maintain his fine form over the weekend to get the home side back into the series.