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This January transfer market proves to be a period of significant speculation and potential major deals. A number of high-profile players find themselves connected to transfers out of their present teams. We examine some of the top names that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial buy-out clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace despite a summer move to Anfield falling through. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific English striker has continued scoring regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might enhance his fading chances of being in the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all mentioned as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros in the summer, this young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract nearing its end, many English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.