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This winter recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and possible major deals. Numerous notable footballers find themselves connected to transfers away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the key figures who could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.