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The winter transfer window proves to be a time of significant speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent players are being connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, indications are an important move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, while his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter exit looks increasingly probable. Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven English striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is widely expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.