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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant rumour and possible major moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves linked with transfers out of their present teams. Here is a look at some of the key figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, it appears an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal with a substantial release clause applicable for a short window in early January. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh forward has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a transfer poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.