Joe Baker nominates five young guns from League Two who are on the radars of Premier League clubs ahead of the January market.
Joe Hanks was promoted to the senior squad in 2012 for pre-season training - this is despite still being a youth team player. The 19 year-old made his professional debut in October of that year, coming on as a second-half substitute for Sam Deering in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The rest of that campaign and the following one was spent out on loan at Bishop's Cleeve and Gloucester City. This season, Robins manager Mark Yeates has given him a first team chance and was rewarded immediately with Hanks scoring the winner on the first day of the season - a finish from 25 yards-out that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard would be proud of.
He followed on from that goal, putting in a commanding performance against Cambridge, as he helped his side to record a 2-1 win at Whaddon Road. There is still more to come from the Gloucester born midfielder, who is fast becoming a hit with the fans. If he continues the impressive form he has shown at the start of the season, Premier League clubs like Everton and Aston Villa are sure to step up their scouting of the youngster. Jason Banton - Plymouth Argyle
Jason Banton is a winger who has had previous youth spells at Arsenal and Tottenham. A fast paced winger, Banton is direct and likes to take defenders on with his dribbling ability and speed. He was signed by Argyle from Crystal Palace, after spending a very influential loan spell with them, scoring six goals in 14 appearances towards the end of the 2012/13 season.
Manager John Sheridan says the 20 year-old can be 'a very exciting player', and he looks set to play an integral part in the Pilgrim's promotion push this season. The former Liverpool academy product will be hoping to make his mark this campaign, having become disillusioned with his treatment by Crystal Palace. If he continues to score goals and plays like he did last time he was at Home Park, the likes of Stoke City and even Liverpool may consider him for their winger-based playing systems. Jed Wallace has been the shining light during a very difficult few years for Portsmouth. He featured in all but two of Pompey's league games last season, scoring seven goals from his advanced role in midfield. He is a number of Portsmouth players who have graduated from their youth academy at Fratton Park with Adam Webster and Dan Butler also making the step up. His magnificent solo goal against York earned him Portsmouth's goal of 2013 award voted by the fans - further evidence that the 20 year-old is not only a local favourite, but a huge prospect for the future.
There is an ever greater reliance on him this season, as he becomes a key player for Andy Awford's side. So far he has made 14 appearances in League Two, taking his total tally of appearances to 80 in just over two years since his debut in 2012. His international pedigree is also not to be ignored, he has played for England at U19 Level, and could be promoted to the U21's very soon. Wallace signed a new three year contract in June which will boost the confidence of supporters. However, recent rumours have indicated that both Liverpool and Chelsea have been seen to watch him. Dan Bentley - Southend United
Dan Bentley has been linked with various Premier league clubs over the past year, as he continues to be one of the most sought after goalkeepers in England. He kept 19 clean sheets for Southend last season, as they narrowly missed out on promotion. West Ham United are one of a number of top flight clubs interested in him and Southend manager Phil Brown admitted in July that they had rejected a bid from an "unnamed Premier League club".
Many were surprised he did not sign for one of the top teams over the summer, however he decided to stay at Roots Hall, staying faithful to a club who have equally shown faith in him. Earlier this season, he was considered for the England U21 squad, which shows how far he has come since being introduced in 2011, and an example of how impressively he has performed. It may only be a matter of time before he eventually decides to leave. However, in the meantime he is focused on helping Southend avoid play-off heartbreak once again. Mark Cullen is currently League Two's top scorer, netting eight goals as Luton's return to the Football League has started with a bang. The former Hull City forward has began life impressively after making the step up from the Conference. Many players find the transition difficult after plying their trade in non-league football, however Cullen has flourished under John Still. The vital advantage he has is that he has previous professional experience, which can be very important in a team where many of their players have not been a part of the Football League.
His stats since his transfer to Luton is an impressive 16 goals in 43 games, which is surprising considering his last stint at Hull he managed only one in 24. His hat-trick on Tuesday is evidence that he is finally finding the form he failed deliver at the KC stadium and with Bury and Stockport, two of the clubs he spent time on loan. Steve Bruce will find it hard not to take notice of the striker he let go in 2013. If he hits double figures this time round, Bruce may move to re-sign again.
