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The January recruitment period is always a time of intense rumour and possible big-money deals. Several high-profile footballers are being linked with transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, indications are an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal due to run out in the summer, January is the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Welsh forward has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of league games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a January exit looks highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

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

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, though wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented midfielder has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules about representing two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in fine form for Juventus this term. As his current contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. This teenager is heavily tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.