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The January transfer market is always a time of feverish speculation and possible major transfers. Several prominent footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures that might be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England squad. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although financial constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next season seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal nearing its end, a host of English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.