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This winter recruitment period is always a time of significant speculation and possible big-money moves. A number of prominent players are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the key figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has impress for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. However, securing a deal presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.