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This winter transfer market proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential big-money deals. Several high-profile stars are being connected to moves away from their present clubs. Here is a look at some of the key figures that could be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the AFCON, which has kept the player available, indications are a major transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week window in early January. Latest developments point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous elite sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales winger has found first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has begun only a small number of league matches. It is understood the London club would be willing to consider a sale for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be willing to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as third-choice at Barça under new coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit seems increasingly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has kept scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. Having few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he may be keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though wage constraints could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the loan move will not be made permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to his parent club before next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing contract running down, a host of English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is heavily tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.