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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of significant speculation and possible major moves. A number of high-profile stars find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine some of the key figures that could be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a significant transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly 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 expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.