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The winter recruitment period is always a period of intense speculation and possible major deals. A number of high-profile stars find themselves connected to transfers out of their current clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, it appears a major move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit remains unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once linked as a potential suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. However, securing a transfer poses major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, though wage constraints could prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing deal running down, a host of English clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around £22 million.