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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money transfers. Several notable footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their current clubs. We examine some of the key names who might be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate 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 period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this term, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.