🔗 Share this article

The January transfer market is always a period of significant speculation and possible big-money deals. A number of notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the top names that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the forward available, it appears a significant move is close. The Bournemouth attacker possesses a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly have moved on to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has excel for Palace despite a summer move to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the summer, January is the club's last opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although being the club's top scorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the London outfit is open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal midfielder could be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible opportunity. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool have been connected to the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spanish media that he would be prepared to accept a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany shot-stopper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona under the manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a January departure looks highly likely. Villa were once linked as a possible destination, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued scoring frequently in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might enhance his fading hopes of making the national squad. But, arranging a transfer presents significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all linked as admirers.

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

C. Gallagher

This energetic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With few starting appearances in Spain this season, he is eager to secure more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United are strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, remains a option, although financial constraints might prove a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this talented midfielder has found it tough for game time during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the temporary transfer won't become permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for Juventus this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, many Premier League sides – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, Smit has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar side. This teenager is widely tipped to make a big-money move this month. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a deal valued at around twenty-two million pounds.