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The winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. Several notable stars are being linked with transfers out of their present clubs. We examine some of the major names that might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has excel for Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.