No competition in world football provides a better shop window for out-of-favour players than the FIFA World Cup.
With the 2018 tournament in Russia raking in a record-breaking 3.5billion viewers worldwide, the World Cup can single-handedly boom or bust a player's stock in the upcoming January transfer market.
It's therefore no surprise that Manchester United outcast Cristiano Ronaldo chose this week to drop his explosive bombshell interview with Piers Morgan to the world, using the World Cup break as an opportunity to remind potential suitors of his otherworldly talents - and his desire to move.





The Manchester United outcast publicly slammed the club in an interview with Piers Morgan






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A fruitful World Cup campaign could be just the nudge Chelsea, Bayern Munich, who Sportsmail exclusively revealed met with Ronaldo last week, and Napoli need to table an offer for Ronaldo in January, with the Portuguese star almost destined to leave Old Trafford after publicly besmirching the club's reputation.



And Ronaldo is not the only out-of-favour international eager to engineer a move away ahead of next summer, with several players either stuck on the bench or out of contract next year.
With the tournament fast approaching, Sportsmail has forged a list of six stars who will likely use the World Cup as a platform to secure a move.


 




Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United, Portugal
Where else to start?
It's the point of no return for Ronaldo at Manchester United, and his tell-all interview has made clubs well aware of his intention to move sooner rather than later.
Of course, the field of potential suitors is limited should he wish to remain on his reported _500,000-a-week contract, with few clubs able to afford his monstrous salary.
Sportsmail revealed on Monday that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has approached the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Sporting Lisbon and Newcastle in a bid to secure his Old Trafford escape, but few clubs seem interested at this stage.





Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech will eye a move in January after the World Cup with Morocco

In a group alongside 2018 runners-up Croatia and third-placed finishers Belgium, EVdeN EvE NakLiYAt Morocco no doubt have an uphill task of advancing to the knockouts, even if they manage to beat Canada in their final group game.
However, if Ziyech inspires an upset in one of the opening two fixtures and reminds the world of his ability on the right flank, a healthy line of clubs will queue up in an effort to sign him in January.


 




Christian Pulisic - Chelsea, USA
Another unsettled Chelsea star, Pulisic has also struggled for game time this season, starting just three Premier League matches all season so far.
However, it's likely minutes will not be a problem for the American winger at the World Cup, as USA bid to surprise a few with their talented young squad.
AC Milan full-back Sergino Dest, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Borussia Dortmund youngster Gio Reyna all join Pulisic in Gregg Berhalter's group, handing the 24-year-old plenty of talented team-mates to play alongside as he looks to shine on the world stage. 





Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans is out of contract with Leicester at the end of the campaign

On footballing ability alone Tielemans will not struggle to attract potential suitors this summer, but perhaps Leicester's poor early season form has made several European giants hesitant towards signing the playmaker, damaging his future prospects of Champions League football next season.
Joining the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku on international duty, Tielemans has every chance of doing very well at the World Cup and boosting his stock ahead of the January transfer window.
As his contract is expiring this summer, clubs outside of England can approach to sign the midfielder on a free transfer six months in advance — Tielemans will hope that Europe's top clubs are queuing round the door in January after he puts in a strong World Cup performance.


 




Joao Felix - Atletico Madrid, Portugal
Having fallen out of favour at Atletico Madrid this season, Joao Felix has only started just five LaLiga matches under Diego Simeone this campaign, struggling to justify his whopping _110million price tag.
The Portuguese forward is weighing up his options in the Spanish capital ahead of next summer and the World Cup could present the perfect opportunity to show what he can do.




Manchester United reportedly had a _113m bid for Felix rejected during the summer transfer window before signing Antony, but it is understood Ten Hag remains interested in the Portuguese international.
A solid performance at the World Cup could also force Simeone to reconsider his first team plans when LaLiga returns.
In what has emerged the most challenging period of Felix's career so far, the World Cup could well become a make or break tournament for the 23-year-old as he bids to revive his career.


 




Memphis Depay - Barcelona, Holland
It seems no matter how well Depay is performing for his domestic side, he always delivers the goods for EvdeN EvE nakLiyAT Holland EVdEn EvE NAkLiyaT on the international stage.
Boasting a fruitful record of 42 goals in 81 caps, Depay has been a crucial aspect of Louis van Gaal's side throughout his tenure as manager, providing Holland with a cutting edge in attack.
A few eyebrows were raised when the 28-year-old was named in Holland's World Cup squad, as he had not played a single minute of football since picking up an injury in September, but the selection demonstrates just how highly he is viewed in their national set-up.




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