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The winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their current teams. This article explores some of the top names that might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though financial demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.