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The winter recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish speculation and potential big-money transfers. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to transfers out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the key names who could be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, he has started only a handful of league matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.