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The January recruitment period is always a period of intense rumour and potential big-money moves. Several high-profile stars find themselves connected to transfers away from their present clubs. We examine some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, 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, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer last season, he has started just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although financial demands might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.