🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer market is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. A number of notable players find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause active for a short window at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, he has started only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a January exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England squad. But, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.