🔗 Share this article

This winter recruitment period is always a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. A number of prominent players are being linked with moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that could be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, indications are a major move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a substantial release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.