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This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. Numerous prominent stars are being linked with moves out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the key figures who could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, indications are an important move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a sale for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is widely expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.