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This January transfer market is typically a time of feverish rumour and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile players find themselves connected to moves away from their present teams. This article explores some of the top figures that might be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, this has left the player available, it appears a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest reports point to Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the London club's final opportunity to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite sides, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. However, a winter exit is considered difficult, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Tottenham this campaign. Despite finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a small number of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit would be willing to consider a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker could be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract ending in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the coach Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the keeper.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his dwindling hopes of making the national squad. However, securing a transfer presents major challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported enormous weekly wages render any move 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.

C. Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily connected, and a return to Crystal Palace, where he shone on a temporary deal, 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 in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Because of FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his existing deal nearing its end, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to make a big-money move in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.