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The January transfer market is typically a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. Several high-profile footballers find themselves connected to transfers away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the top figures that could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the player in contention, it appears an important transfer is imminent. This 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Latest reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool falling through. With his contract due to expire in the summer, January is the club's last chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top clubs, such as City and several continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a winter departure is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started only a small number of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker could be set for a return to the Premier League following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following the manager Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and had an operation, a winter exit seems highly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible destination, but that move currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven English striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England squad. But, arranging a transfer poses significant challenges. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged enormous salary render any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having few starts in La Liga this term, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, although wage demands might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for game time on loan at Aston Villa. The manager has confirmed the loan move will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkey attacker is in fine form for Juventus this season. With his current contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ side. This 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be frontrunners, but could face stiff rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around twenty-two million pounds.