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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Several high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the major figures who might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has had first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.