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This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent stars find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the major names that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest an important move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.