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The January transfer market proves to be a time of intense speculation and possible big-money transfers. Several notable footballers find themselves linked with moves away from their present teams. This article explores a selection of the major figures who might be changing clubs in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, this has left the forward in contention, it appears an important transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract with a sizeable release clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent reports point to Manchester City have emerged as his signature. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have moved on to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

The England defender has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. As his contract set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to obtain a fee for their skipper. A host of top sides, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. However, a winter departure remains difficult, especially given the manager's dependence on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had starting opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite finishing as the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun only a small number of league matches. It is understood the North London outfit is willing to consider a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

The Portugal playmaker could be set for a comeback to the English top flight after a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Now only twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone surgery, a winter departure looks highly probable. Villa were initially mentioned as a potential destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven English striker has continued scoring frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a deal presents significant hurdles. His current club are reluctant to part with him, and his alleged huge weekly wages render any agreement complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped his Saudi club to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. Having limited starts in Spain this season, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although financial constraints could be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. The manager has stated the loan move won't become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about playing for two clubs in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This exciting Turkish attacker is in fine form for Juventus this term. With his current deal running down, a host of Premier League clubs – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to complete a big-money transfer in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at around £22 million.