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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of significant rumour and possible big-money deals. Numerous notable players find themselves linked with transfers away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the major names who might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, reports suggest a major move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has excel for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. But, securing a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial demands might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne 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 complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.