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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major transfers. A number of high-profile footballers are being linked with moves out of their present teams. This article explores some of the major names that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of league matches. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, though financial demands could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his current contract running down, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.