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This January transfer market proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major transfers. Numerous high-profile footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures that are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player available, reports suggest an important move is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has excel for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. Yet, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under new coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.