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The January recruitment period is typically a period of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Several prominent footballers are being linked with moves away from their present clubs. This article explores some of the top names who might be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, such as City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, though wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.