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The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. A number of high-profile stars are being connected to moves out of their current teams. We examine a selection of the key figures who could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player available, it appears a major transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief period in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, including City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter exit remains difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London club is open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage demands could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This teenager is heavily tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.