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This winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and potential major moves. Several high-profile footballers find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the top figures that could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, indications are a major move is close. This 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to run out in the summer, January is the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal running down, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.