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This January recruitment period is always a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. A number of prominent stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. We examine a selection of the key figures that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, indications are a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a transfer poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.