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This January recruitment period is always a time of significant rumour and potential big-money moves. Several prominent stars are being linked with moves out of their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures that could be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the player available, it appears a significant move is close. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a sizeable release clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments indicate Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English defender has excel for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top sides, including City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading chances of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a option, though financial demands could prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current deal nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.