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The January recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and possible big-money moves. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves connected to transfers out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the key names who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a January exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.