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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible major transfers. Several high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their current clubs. This article explores some of the key names who are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are an important transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

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

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.