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This winter recruitment period is typically a time of significant rumour and possible big-money transfers. Several high-profile players are being connected to transfers away from their current teams. Here is a look at some of the key names who could be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has kept the forward in contention, it appears a major transfer is imminent. This Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the close season, this represents the club's final opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça under the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move currently seems off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a battle to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.