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The winter recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible big-money moves. Several high-profile stars find themselves linked with transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores some of the top names that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, reports suggest a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific English striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial demands might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.