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This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of intense speculation and potential big-money deals. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present teams. This article explores some of the major figures who could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward available, indications are a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a sizeable release clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.