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The January recruitment period is typically a time of feverish speculation and possible big-money moves. Several high-profile stars are being linked with transfers away from their present clubs. We examine some of the key figures who could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a major move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is heavily expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.