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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of intense speculation and possible big-money deals. Several notable footballers are being linked with transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures who might be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract featuring a sizeable release clause active for a short period in early January. Recent reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, including City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following new manager Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, securing a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this term, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a option, although financial demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This teenager is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.