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This January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential big-money transfers. A number of notable stars are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell 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 his parent club before next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing contract running down, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.