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The January recruitment period proves to be a time of significant rumour and potential big-money transfers. Numerous notable stars find themselves linked with transfers away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the key figures who might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new manager Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. 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 being in the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.