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This January recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major transfers. A number of prominent players are being linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures that could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a significant move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the England squad. However, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial demands might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.