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This winter recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves out of their current teams. Here is a look at some of the top figures that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, indications are an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the national squad. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.