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This January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and potential big-money transfers. A number of high-profile footballers are being connected to moves out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key names who are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, it appears a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move 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 England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as 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 keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.