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The January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of high-profile players find themselves linked with transfers out of their present teams. We examine some of the major figures that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the forward available, reports suggest a major move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, 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 Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – 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 the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.