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The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of notable footballers find themselves linked with moves out of their present clubs. This article explores a selection of the major figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, indications are a significant transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling chances of making the England squad. But, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.