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This winter recruitment period is always a period of significant speculation and possible major deals. Several high-profile footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their current teams. We examine some of the top names who could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.