League One has arguably never felt so glamorous.
The likes of Hollywood Wrexham and big-spending Birmingham City have helped to increase the exposure of an increasingly competitive division which is awash with well-coached teams and talented personnel.
While the finances in the division have soared, there remains scope to pluck some hidden gems from League One and we've taken a look at five players who could make the grade in the Championship or above.
Club: Peterborough United
Position: RW
Age: 23
Market value (Transfermarkt): €1.50m
In a season where Peterborough lacked consistency even when Kwame Poku was available, it should come as no surprise that the Ghanaian's absence has coincided with their deterioration in form.
It's not the only reason, but when you remove a 15-goal contributor from the equation, you're likely to suffer in some respect. Poku is currently out until February, but don't let that dissuade you from the purchase of a mesmerising talent.
From Cray Wanderers to London Road, Poku has got to where he is on merit. It's his splendid temperament which has helped to mould him into one of League One's most electrifying talents.
Adding goals and assists to his game with an increased regularity, the 23-year-old possesses all the qualities you worship in a winger: balletic footwork, explosive acceleration and final third composure.
A multitude of big clubs are already sniffing and it feels inevitable that Poku will be the latest off Peterborough's exceptional production line to make the transition to a higher level.
Club: Reading
Position: CB
Age: 19
Market value (Transfermarkt): €1.00m
Amidst the precarious off-field circumstances, Reading have taken immense pride in the development of young, unproven talent and central defender Tyler Bindon is the pick of the bunch.
Hailing from Auckland in New Zealand, Bindon moved to California with his family and was on the books with Los Angeles FC when Reading acquired him at the age of 18.
Immediately he was thrust into the first-team spotlight by Ruben Selles in a sink or swim moment. Fortunately, Bindon was adept at breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl...
The experience of 60 appearances in the English Football League and over 10 international caps for his country is not to be underestimated. That he's achieved those figures as a teenager is commendable.
Flaunting a tall frame, Bindon oozes assertiveness with every defensive action, whether it be a diligent interception or impeccably-timed tackle. He's got the physical qualities to perform in a high line and when in possession, the New Zealand international has the poise to play out from the back.
Given Reading's financial plight, the Royals will be bracing themselves for offers on their major asset.
Club: Lincoln City
Position: CDM
Age: 23
Market value (Transfermarkt): €900k
Lincoln City are the epitome of a well-run club and their impressive recruitment model enabled them to unearth an imposing midfield disruptor in Ethan Erhahon.
On the books at St Mirren from the age of five, Erhahon's career may have had an entirely different outlook with the Glaswegian rejecting a move to Forest Green just weeks before signing for Lincoln on deadline day in January 2023.
Erhahon has prospered at Sincil Bank under the tutelage of Michael Skubala and his industrious skillset make him the perfect accomplice to his attack-minded midfield partner Conor McGrandles.
No midfielder has chalked up more interceptions (47) in League One and Erhahon ranks prominently for recoveries with 133. His duel success exceeds 60%, which is a prime example of his combative nature.
For all of his talent, his discipline has undermined him, not least in Lincoln's encounter with Bolton on New Year's Day where he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in first half stoppage time.
It's an element of his game Skubala is looking to nurture and if Erhahon can get a better grasp of his emotions, there's no restraint on him showcasing his ability in the Championship or beyond.
Club: Stockport County
Position: CB
Age: 21
Market value (Transfermarkt): €450k
There's just something about a proficient left-sided central defender that really gets the tail wagging.
Ethan Pye's journey to Stockport County was not the smoothest - but those experiences have helped him to mature quickly and forge a strong resilience at an early stage of his career.
A loan spell with Gateshead in the 2022/23 campaign certainly aided his progression and Pye returned to become a mainstay of Dave Challinor's backline, helping Stockport to win the League Two title and receiving a nomination for Young Player of the Year in the process.
An imposing figure whose aerial presence is of a benefit at both ends of the pitch, the Manchester-born defender is impressively serene in possession considering his bulky frame and none of his positional peers have drawn more fouls in the third tier this campaign. He also ranks in the top 5% of all players in League One for tackles won and duels won.
In a world where accomplished left-footed centre-backs seem increasingly scarce, Pye is a valuable commodity in Stockport's ranks.
Club: Blackpool
Position: RW
Age: 21
Market value (Transfermarkt): €600k
Named League Two Young Player of the Year after registering 18 goal contributions on loan at Tranmere Rovers last term, Rob Apter is a winger who loves to cut inside and shoot.
It was a party trick he consistently repeated at Prenton Park and a catalogue of League Two full-backs succumbed to his charm. Such a stunt is harder to sustain in the tier above and yet Apter has demonstrated he is an effective operator in League One.
While his return of goals and assists this season don't necessarily substantiate that, Apter's underlying numbers indicate Blackpool's biggest threat originates from the right flank in which the Liverpudlian operates.
A diminutive winger with a divine dribbling ability, Apter is a nuisance for defenders to contain as he stretches the pitch by hogging the touchline before drifting inside. He doesn't just fashion his own chances, with the Tangerines star ranking alongside Poku, Keshi Anderson and Ronan Darcy for big chances created.
Another season under the auspices of Steve Bruce (if he remains at Bloomfield Road) may be the most beneficial to Apter's development but given his trajectory started from a loan spell with Bamber Bridge in the Northern Premier League three seasons ago, it's only a matter of time before he's turning out at a higher level.