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This January recruitment period is typically a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their current clubs. We examine some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club is open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.