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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Numerous high-profile stars are being linked with transfers out of their current teams. Here is a look at some of the top names who could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable release clause active for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports suggest the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, January is the London club's last opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, he has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a deal presents major challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starts in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, though financial constraints might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current deal running down, many English sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.