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This winter transfer market is typically a period of intense rumour and potential major moves. A number of notable footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. We examine a selection of the top names that might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the forward in contention, indications are a significant move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starts in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.