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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of significant speculation and potential big-money transfers. A number of high-profile players are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major names that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal running down, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.