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This winter recruitment period is always a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Several prominent players find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a deal presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, though financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.