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This January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish speculation and potential big-money deals. A number of notable footballers are being linked with transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the top figures who could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Recent reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has found starting opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a handful of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed 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 credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.