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This winter recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and possible major moves. A number of high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, indications are an important move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. 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

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.