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The winter transfer market is typically a period of significant speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent stars find themselves linked with transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures who are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, indications are an important transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Liverpool collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an inquiry.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a option, although wage demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around £22 million.