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This winter transfer window proves to be a time of feverish speculation and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves away from their current clubs. We examine some of the top names who might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a contract featuring a sizeable buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Recent developments point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London club would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

R. Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under the manager Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a January departure looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage constraints might be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The teenager is heavily expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.