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This winter transfer market is typically a period of significant rumour and potential big-money moves. Several notable stars find themselves connected to moves away from their present teams. We examine a selection of the key figures who are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, this has kept the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his deal set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this term. Despite finishing as the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has begun just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London club is willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Hansi Flick. After lost his place and had an operation, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal poses significant challenges. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – 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 contract but face a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing stiff rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around £22 million.