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The winter recruitment period is typically a period of intense rumour and possible big-money moves. Several prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers out of their present teams. We examine some of the major names that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward available, indications are a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to other options, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer move to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal due to expire in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the right price, believed to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of being in the England World Cup. However, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

The dynamic midfielder attracted considerable interest in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is eager to find more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on loan, is also a possibility, although wage constraints might prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around £22 million.