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This winter transfer window is always a period of intense speculation and possible big-money transfers. A number of prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their current teams. This article explores some of the top figures that might be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, indications are a major transfer is close. This 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has excel for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, including Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona following the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a January departure looks increasingly probable. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven English striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer presents major challenges. His current club are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though wage demands could prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the sole viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, many English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.