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This January transfer market is always a time of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Several prominent footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward available, indications are a major move is close. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a short window in early January. Recent reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Although finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial constraints might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.