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This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential major transfers. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to transfers away from their current teams. This article explores a selection of the top names that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, it appears a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national squad. But, arranging a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though financial constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.