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The January recruitment period is always a time of significant speculation and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile players are being linked with moves away from their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key names that might be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current contract running down, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.