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The winter recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and possible big-money moves. A number of high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the key names that could be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, indications are an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure looks highly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this season, 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 excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award 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 stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.