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The January recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible big-money transfers. Several high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the key names that could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short period in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although financial demands could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell 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 Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal nearing its end, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.