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The winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to transfers away from their current clubs. We examine some of the top figures who could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short window in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific England striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.