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The January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money deals. Numerous notable stars are being connected to moves out of their present teams. This article explores some of the top figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, it appears an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal due to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.