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The winter transfer market proves to be a period of feverish speculation and potential big-money moves. Numerous high-profile players are being linked with transfers out of their current clubs. This article explores a selection of the major names that could be on the move this month.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, reports suggest an important transfer is close. This Bournemouth attacker possesses a contract with a substantial release clause applicable for a two-week window at the start of the month. Latest developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his signature. Other interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to impress for Palace this season a previous move to Anfield collapsing. As his deal set to expire in the summer, this represents the London club's final chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of top clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter departure is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

The Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a handful of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit would be open to a sale for the right price, 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 showing an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just twenty-eight, and with his agreement ending in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he is willing to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça following the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential suitor, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged enormous weekly wages make any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be eager to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on a temporary deal, remains a possibility, although wage demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young player has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to Liverpool before next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this season. With his current deal running down, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned comparisons to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to make a major move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing strong competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.