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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and possible big-money deals. Several prominent footballers find themselves connected to transfers away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the major figures who might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, reports suggest a significant move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. But, arranging a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage demands could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his current deal running down, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.