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The January recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. This article explores some of the major figures that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a short window in early January. Recent developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.