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The winter recruitment period is typically a period of feverish rumour and possible big-money deals. Several high-profile footballers are being connected to transfers out of their present teams. Here is a look at some of the key names who could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward available, indications are a significant transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a brief window in early January. Recent developments suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to alternative targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a January exit is considered difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the England squad. But, arranging a transfer poses major hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this term, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although financial demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.