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The winter recruitment period is always a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent stars find themselves linked with moves out of their current teams. This article explores a selection of the key figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are a significant transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a short period in early January. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the England squad. But, arranging a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage constraints could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.