The summer transfer window is the golden opportunity for Premier League managers to delve into the depths of the transfer market to pick out that next star player, the next goal machine and, for some, the next great shot stopper.

No doubt there will be millions spent in the window as clubs look to progress higher up the Premier League table, but the next fan favorite for numerous clubs could already be in the clubs ranks. Here are 10 youth players who are set to make an impact in the 2013/2014 season.

1. Jack Butland – Stoke City

Jack Butland is a prospect of the Birmingham City youth academy and had spent his entire career with the Midlands club before signing for Stoke City in the 2013 January transfer window. He was loaned back to Birmingham for the remainder of the season but will come into the 2013/14 EPL season battling for the number one jersey.

At 6’5”, he has the height and the reflexes to be a top keeper for years to come. Despite only being 20 years old, he has 70 career club appearances and has represented England at every level, including becoming the youngest ever English Goalkeeper to start for England.

What makes him stand out is his composure. Cool, calm and collected, he rarely fluffs his lines and is always in communication with his back four. If Stoke move Asmir Begovic, he will get his chance to shine on the Premier League stage.

2. Adam Campbell – Newcastle United

This time it’s another Englishman on the list of top prospects. It’s the fiery Newcastle striker Adam Campbell. Alan Pardew has told the local media that Campbell is quite possibly the best finisher at the club and that next season he will get some chances in the first team.

Campbell, who is from the world-famous Wallsend Boys Club that produced Alan Shearer, has been in the Newcastle United Academy since the age of 10. He has represented England at U16, U17 and U19 levels, and was selected in the squad for the U20 World Cup.

The striker is lightning quick and, at his best, plays off the last man — a playing style similar to a young Michael Owen.

3. Jordan Spence – West Ham United

Jordan Spence is a big powerful centre-half who fits the Sam Allardyce mould. A no nonsense defender, Spence has the experience at all levels of the English pyramid.

The defender excelled at youth level in the national system. After playing in the U16, U17, U18, U19 and U21 England teams, he is ready to take the next step and compete in the Premier League.

However, he will have a tough task getting into the first team. If given an opportunity, he has the talent and versatility to see a considerable amount of game time in 2013/14.

4. Samir Carruthers – Aston Villa

I predict Samir Carruthers will be the next footballer to break through the successful Aston Villa academy. The young Irish winger is already capped at U21 level internationally.

Originally from Arsenal, the tricky winger has made three EPL appearances already, but next season should be where he makes his name. During the 2013 Next Generation tournament, he captained his side to victory against Chelsea in the final.

Each season, the winger has scored double-digit goals at every level he has played. Plus he’s a creative force, something Villa were lacking a lot during the 2012/13 season.

5. Nathan Aké – Chelsea

Nathan Aké made his debut late last season, and will look to push on for next season. The Dutchman only signed for Chelsea in 2011 after four years at Feyenoord . The defender has a bright future, having captained both the Dutch U17’s and U19’s.

Chelsea in the last year or two have struggled defensively and, with John Terry reaching the twilight of his career, now is the time for someone to step up in his place. Aké has the talent and leadership skills to compete at the EPL stage.

6. Robbie Brady – Hull City

The former Manchester United product has shone during his loan spells with newly promoted Hull City before making the move permanent in the 2013 January transfer window. Winger Robbie Brady has already made 74 appearances for Hull, but will make his Premier League debut in 2013/14.

Brady has pace and trickery, and will have opportunities to showcase his talents on the grandest stage of all next season.

Internationally, the left winger has competed at every level and is now a full Irish International. He holds the record for most goals at the U21 level, but needs to improve his scoring prowess at club level.

7. Serge Gnabry – Arsenal

A German entrant into my top ten prospects, but one I am positive will make an impact in the coming years. Gnabry has competed at U16, U17 and U18 levels, and has already competed for Arsenal in the Champions League.

The former sprinter has pace to burn, and is often seen on the wing, but is equally capable of playing in the middle of the park. He could turn out to be the best player on this list, but it may be too early for him next season, and he may go on loan to a Championship club.

8. Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur

With Jermain Defoe reaching the end of his career, and Emmanuel Adebayor rarely showing the ability that we all know he possesses, it could force Andres Villas-Boas into playing the youngster Harry Kane next season.

Kane is match ready, having spent the majority of his last three seasons on loan with lower league sides. Leyton Orient, Millwall, Norwich City and Leicester City have all played host to Kane in the last few years.

Most of his experience has come in the Championship, and now is the time for him to step up and compete at Spurs. Kane has represented England at both U17 and U19 levels, and will be looking to move up into the U21 fold next season.

9. Darnel Situ – Swansea City

Powerful centre-back Darnel Situ should break into the first team this year and shine for Swansea City. The French standout has captained his side at every international level up to U21. His leadership skills are exceptional, and even at a young age he will have the respect of his peers.

Situ is a physical footballer, and will fit in well with the likes of Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor in the back four for the Swans.

10. Luke Shaw – Southampton

Luke Shaw is another product following in the footsteps of Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after coming through the Southampton youth academy.

It is unknown as to whether the full back will still be at Southampton when the season rolls around after huge interest from the top 6 clubs in the EPL. He made 29 appearances last season for Southampton and will look to continue his development in 2013/14.

Shaw has represented England at both U16 and U17 levels.

What a difference a year makes. At the end of the 2011/12 Premier League season, Newcastle United and Sunderland fans rejoiced after respectable seasons. Newcastle were sitting fifth, just five points behind a Champions League place while Sunderland were sitting mid-table with highly regarded Martin O’Neill at the helm.

Who would have thought just twelve months later both teams would sit in the bottom five of the Premier League table, narrowly avoiding relegation. Sunderland stayed up on the last day with eccentric manager Paolo Di Canio. And Newcastle only just confirmed their Premier League safety just one week early under manager Alan Pardew.

Long gone are the times where the Geordie faithful called their manager “Pardiola.” Instead, some are  now calling for his head. Chairman Mike Ashley has given Pardew the vote of confidence this summer, but at the same time the Newcastle owner has undermined Pardew’s authority by hiring Joe Kinnear as the director of football, which is a recipe for disaster.

On Wearside, Di Canio has already set his stall out, ruling with an iron fist and looking to ship out those who have caused trouble in and out of the dressing room. Working with owner Ellis Short, Di Canio now has a new chief scout. But more importantly, the club now has a director of football for the first time in the club’s history.

This summer, Newcastle United have to keep their star players like Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa, while adding a striker and central defender. They need to keep the nucleus of the side together, and we need to see an improvement in the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Mathieu Debuchy and Yoan Gouffran as they get accustomed to the English style of play, their teammates and the Newcastle public.

More importantly, Pardew needs to develop and tweak his tactics. Towards the end of last year, Newcastle were extremely predictable, and struggled to create goal scoring opportunities, scoring just 23 goals in 25 games in 2013. Papiss Cissé scored a respectable amount of goals, but the Black and Whites did not have a secondary goalscorer, and mounted no threat from corners.

The Newcastle board will not accept another season like the 2012/13 campaign, and Pardew will feel the pressure early next season from the fans, media and hierarchy. Which side will turn up? The 2011/12 Europa League Qualifying team, or the 2012/13 relegation fighters?

To the south, Sunderland are also in for a crucial season. The Mackems have sacked managers in the previous two seasons, so there is no doubt Di Canio will be on a short leash. Had they been relegated, there were rumours he’d have been sacked.

The former Swindon Town man has already stamped his authority on the Sunderland squad, jettisoning players and confronting casino-going footballers. Di Canio will want to bring his players in, so there will be a large turnover in players for the Black Cats.

Large turnover in playing staff is always problematic, but there are so many questions to be answered. Will all the players gel as a unit? With the fans get on the players backs early on if they do struggle? And what will be made of the eccentric manager in the local media? Will his personality and characteristics become a bigger talking point then the clubs on-field exploits? And will this be a help or a hinder his players and the fans?

One thing is for sure, there are a lot of questions that need answering from the North East duo. With impatient chairmen holding the reigns, it is sure to be a big year in the North East.