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This January recruitment period is typically a period of intense rumour and potential major transfers. Numerous high-profile stars are being linked with moves out of their current clubs. We examine a selection of the major names who are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has 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. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, he has started only a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage demands could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This teenager is widely expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.