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This winter transfer window proves to be a period of significant speculation and possible major deals. Numerous prominent footballers find themselves connected to moves out of their present teams. We examine some of the major figures that are poised to be changing clubs this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old possesses a deal with a sizeable release clause applicable for a brief period in early January. Latest developments suggest the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his services. Former interested parties such as Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure remains unlikely, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has had first-team opportunities limited at Tottenham this campaign. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of Premier League games. Reports suggest the North London club 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 credited with an interest.

Tottenham rate the Welsh international at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, and with his contract ending in the summer of 2026, he is a possible bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spanish media that he would be prepared to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the England World Cup. However, arranging a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as interested parties.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a return to Crystal Palace, a club he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, although wage demands could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has found it tough for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer appears to be the only viable solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal running down, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but face a race to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ first team. The teenager is widely expected to complete a major transfer this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at around £22 million.