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The winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish rumour and possible major moves. Numerous notable footballers find themselves connected to transfers out of their present teams. This article explores some of the major figures that could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, it appears a major move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Recent developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though wage constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate 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 prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.