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This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of intense speculation and potential major deals. Several notable stars are being linked with transfers away from their present clubs. We examine some of the major names that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a short period in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought 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 showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.