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The winter recruitment period is typically a time of significant rumour and potential big-money deals. Numerous high-profile footballers are being linked with moves away from their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the major figures that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Latest developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is widely expected to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.