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The winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish speculation and possible major moves. A number of prominent players are being linked with moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the key names that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a short window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following the manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.