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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential major transfers. Several prominent footballers are being connected to moves away from their present teams. This article explores some of the major names that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.