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The January transfer market is typically a period of feverish rumour and potential major deals. Several high-profile players are being linked with moves out of their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the top figures who could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player available, indications are a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest reports point to Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had 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 matches. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around £22 million.