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The January recruitment period is always a period of significant rumour and potential big-money transfers. Several high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the key figures that could be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, indications are a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a January departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure looks highly likely. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England squad. But, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial demands could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely expected to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.