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This January transfer market is always a time of significant rumour and potential big-money transfers. Numerous prominent footballers are being connected to moves out of their present teams. This article explores a selection of the key names that might be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable release clause active for a short period at the start of the month. Recent reports indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a summer move to Liverpool falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London club is open to a transfer for the right price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems highly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his fading hopes of making the national World Cup. However, securing a deal poses major challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With limited starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United are heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, although wage demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely expected to make a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.