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This January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of high-profile stars find themselves linked with transfers away from their current clubs. This article explores some of the top figures who are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven England striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.