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This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of intense rumour and possible big-money moves. A number of high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers away from their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, indications are a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh forward has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's top scorer last season, he has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, though wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.