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This winter recruitment period is always a period of feverish rumour and possible major deals. Several prominent stars find themselves connected to transfers out of their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the top figures who might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has left the forward available, it appears a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial constraints might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.