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The winter transfer market is always a period of feverish speculation and potential big-money deals. Several high-profile footballers are being linked with moves away from their current teams. We examine some of the major figures that might be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player in contention, it appears a significant transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal featuring a substantial release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Other suitors like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his contract due to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, including Manchester City and several European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit remains difficult, particularly given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the London club is willing to consider a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at around £40m.

R. Neves

The Portuguese midfielder could be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, and with his contract ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United have been connected to the player. Furthermore, there are rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure seems increasingly likely. Villa were initially linked as a potential suitor, but that move now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United are heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, is also a possibility, although wage demands might prove a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next season seems to be the only viable outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward has been in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but are in a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. Following starring at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at around twenty-two million pounds.