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This winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish speculation and potential major moves. Several notable footballers are being linked with moves away from their present teams. We examine some of the key names that might be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has left the player available, it appears an important move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Recent developments suggest the Premier League champions have emerged as his services. Former interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. As his deal set to run out in the close season, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has had starting minutes hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League matches. Reports suggest the London outfit would be open to a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England striker has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial constraints might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next season appears to be the sole available solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.