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The January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Several high-profile stars are being connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine some of the major figures who could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial constraints could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as 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 face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.