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This winter transfer market is typically a time of feverish speculation and potential major moves. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves connected to moves away from their present clubs. We examine a selection of the top names that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the forward in contention, indications are an important move is close. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly 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.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the summer, January is the club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Welsh forward has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of league games. It is understood the London club would be open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

R. Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the coach Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be expressing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. However, securing a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starts in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and winning player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but face a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.