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The winter transfer market proves to be a time of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their current teams. This article explores a selection of the major names who are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the forward available, reports suggest a major move is imminent. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Palace despite a previous move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter departure remains difficult, particularly given the manager's reliance on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs value the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are connected to the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January exit seems increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. However, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético. Having limited starting appearances in La Liga this season, he is keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a possibility, though financial demands might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations regarding representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole available outcome.

Kenan Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, many English clubs – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term agreement but face a race to keep one of the continent's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has broken into the AZ side. The 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.