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The winter recruitment period proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible major deals. Numerous high-profile players are being connected to transfers away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the top figures who are poised to be changing clubs in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has kept the player in contention, it appears a major move is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Liverpool falling through. As his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, including Manchester City and several European giants like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only 28, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems highly likely. Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético Madrid. With few starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a possibility, though wage demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for game time during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey attacker has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his current deal running down, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a battle to keep one of Europe's most promising prospects.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. After impressing at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ first team. The 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.