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The January transfer market is always a time of intense rumour and possible big-money transfers. A number of high-profile footballers find themselves connected to transfers out of their present clubs. We examine a selection of the key figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's inability to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which has left the player in contention, reports suggest an important transfer is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a brief window in early January. Latest reports point to the Premier League champions have emerged as his signature. Other suitors like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have turned their attention to other targets, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace despite a previous move to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's last chance to obtain a transfer fee for their captain. A host of elite sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a January departure remains unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has had first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the club's leading goalscorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started only a small number of league games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the right price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally showing an interest.

Tottenham value Brennan Johnson at around £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese midfielder might be poised for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2026, he is a potential opportunity. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the player. Additionally, there are rumours from Spain that he would be willing to take a pay cut for a move to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran Germany goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barça under the coach Hansi Flick. Having fallen out of favour and had an operation, a January exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were once mentioned as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

The proven England centre-forward has kept finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling chances of making the England World Cup. But, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary render any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

Ivan Toney helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

This energetic midfielder attracted considerable attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he is keen to find more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, though financial demands could prove a stumbling block.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, this talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer won't be made permanent. Due to specific rules about playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club prior to next summer appears to be the sole available solution.

K. Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for Juventus this season. As his existing deal running down, a host of English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy contract but face a race to keep one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Kees Smit

This highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn comparisons to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the U19 Euros, Smit has become a regular in the AZ side. The 19-year-old is heavily tipped to complete a big-money move this month. Newcastle are believed to be frontrunners, but are facing stiff competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.