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The winter recruitment period is typically a time of intense rumour and possible major deals. A number of prominent players are being connected to transfers away from their present teams. We examine a selection of the major names that could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.