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The January recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money deals. Several notable players find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, indications are an important transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial release clause active for a short window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of making the national squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although financial constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.