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This January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the forward available, it appears a major move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has excel for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.