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This January transfer market is always a period of significant rumour and potential major deals. Several notable footballers are being connected to transfers out of their current teams. This article explores some of the major figures that could be changing clubs this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the player in contention, reports suggest a significant transfer is close. The 25-year-old has a contract featuring a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week period at the start of the month. Latest developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties like Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a late bid.

M. Guéhi

The English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the close season, January is the club's final chance to secure a fee for their captain. Numerous elite sides, such as City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, are believed to be interested. Yet, a January departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

This Wales forward has found starting minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Despite being the side's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has begun only a handful of league games. Reports suggest the North London outfit is open to a transfer for the correct valuation, believed to be in the around £40 million. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the English top flight following a period in Saudi Arabia. Now only 28, and with his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential bargain. Clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be willing to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barça following new manager Flick. After lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven English centre-forward has continued finding the net regularly in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League could enhance his dwindling chances of making the England squad. But, securing a deal presents major challenges. Al-Ahli are reluctant to sell him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as interested parties.

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

C. Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder attracted widespread interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in La Liga this season, he is eager to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been strongly connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he shone on loan, remains a option, though financial constraints could be a stumbling block.

Harvey Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Due to FIFA regulations about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to his parent club prior to next season appears to be the sole viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. With his existing contract nearing its end, a host of English sides – such as Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a race to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. The 19-year-old is widely expected to complete a big-money move in January. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face stiff competition from Real Madrid for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.