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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. A number of high-profile stars find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the major figures who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short window at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.