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The winter recruitment period is typically a time of intense speculation and potential big-money moves. A number of high-profile stars find themselves linked with moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the key names who might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a sizeable release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit seems highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.