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The winter transfer window is always a period of intense speculation and potential big-money deals. Several high-profile players are being linked with moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the top figures that could be on the move in January.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the AFCON, which has kept the player available, it appears a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a substantial buy-out clause active for a brief window at the start of the month. Latest reports indicate Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to excel for Palace despite a previous move to Liverpool falling through. With his deal set to expire in the close season, January is the London club's final chance to secure a transfer fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, including City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to be interested. However, a January departure is considered difficult, especially given the coach's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh forward has had first-team opportunities limited at Spurs this term. Although finishing as the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, he has started only a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight after a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as third-choice at Barça under the manager Hansi Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January exit looks highly likely. Aston Villa were initially linked as a potential destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific England striker has kept scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the England World Cup. But, securing a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton are all mentioned as interested parties.

The striker helped his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although wage demands might be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the U21 Euros last summer, this young midfielder has found it tough for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Because of specific rules about representing multiple teams in a season, a move back to Liverpool prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The exciting Turkish attacker has been in excellent form for Juventus this season. As his current contract running down, many Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. Juventus are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to keep one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to a Belgian superstar for his style of play. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ Alkmaar first team. The teenager is widely tipped to make a major transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.