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The winter recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key figures that might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.