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This January recruitment period proves to be a period of significant rumour and potential big-money deals. A number of prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key names that are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, it appears a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London club is open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although financial constraints might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately £22 million.