🔗 Share this article

The winter recruitment period is typically a period of intense rumour and possible major transfers. Numerous prominent players find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the club's top scorer last season, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of making the England squad. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. 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 young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.