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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of notable footballers find themselves connected to moves away from their current teams. This article explores a selection of the top names who are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new coach Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.