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This winter recruitment period is always a period of significant speculation and possible major transfers. Several prominent players find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the key figures who could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player available, it appears a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million release clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, though wage demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.