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The winter recruitment period is always a period of feverish rumour and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile footballers are being linked with moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward available, it appears an important move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and multiple European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club is open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, while his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. But, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, though wage constraints could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his current contract nearing its end, many English clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.