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The winter recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and possible major transfers. A number of notable players are being connected to moves out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the major names who could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch 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 expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.