🔗 Share this article

The winter transfer window is always a period of intense rumour and potential major moves. Numerous notable footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures that might be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has kept the forward in contention, reports suggest an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a contract with a sizeable release clause active for a short window in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the club's last chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs value Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça under new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has kept finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading chances of being in the national squad. But, arranging a deal poses major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported enormous salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a option, although wage demands could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish forward is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.