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The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money moves. Numerous prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the major figures who could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a short window in early January. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. It is understood the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. However, securing a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season seems to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.