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This winter recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible major deals. A number of notable players find themselves connected to transfers away from their current teams. We examine a selection of the key names that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are a significant move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, such as City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. But, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, though wage demands might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.