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The January recruitment period is typically a period of significant speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of high-profile footballers are being connected to moves out of their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. 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 most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.