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The January recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent footballers are being connected to moves out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures that might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, indications are an important move is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer last season, he has begun just a small number of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.