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This January recruitment period proves to be a time of feverish rumour and potential major deals. A number of notable players find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a short period in early January. Latest developments indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though financial demands could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the only available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. This teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.