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The January recruitment period is always a time of significant speculation and potential big-money deals. Numerous high-profile stars find themselves connected to moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the top names who could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, indications are a major move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief window in early January. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a January departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that move currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England centre-forward has kept scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, securing a deal poses significant challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a option, although wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ first team. This teenager is heavily expected to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.