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The January transfer window is always a time of feverish rumour and possible major transfers. Several high-profile footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top figures that are poised to be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' inability to reach the AFCON, which has left the player available, reports suggest a major move is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a substantial buy-out clause applicable for a two-week window in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his services. Other suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

This England defender has continued to impress for Palace despite a summer transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including City and several European giants including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has had starting opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of league games. Reports suggest the London club would be open to a sale for the correct valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal midfielder might be poised for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be willing to take a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a winter exit seems highly probable. Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing curiosity in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific English striker has kept scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of making the England World Cup. But, securing a transfer poses significant hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as interested parties.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Crystal Palace, a club he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints might be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes 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 season, a move back to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the 20-year-old to a new long-term contract but face a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Dutch midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his style of play. Following impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a signing valued at approximately £22 million.