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The January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Several notable stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the major figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has excel for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. As his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the England squad. But, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.