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The winter transfer market is typically a period of significant speculation and possible major deals. Several high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the forward available, indications are a significant move is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a contract with a substantial release clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his deal due to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be 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 midfielder might be set for a return to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. However, securing a deal poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.