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The winter transfer market is always a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Several notable footballers are being connected to moves away from their present teams. Here is a look at some of the major figures that might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the player in contention, it appears a significant move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Latest developments suggest Manchester City are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to other targets, potentially opening the door for teams such as Liverpool or Manchester United to make a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

This England centre-back has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield falling through. With his contract set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's last opportunity to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as Manchester City and several continental powerhouses like Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a January exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's dependence on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

This Wales forward has found first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this campaign. Although finishing as the side's top scorer the previous campaign, he has started just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a sale for the right valuation, believed to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also showing an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

The Portugal playmaker might be set for a return to the Premier League following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a potential opportunity. Clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the former Wolves man. Furthermore, there are suggestions from Spanish media that he is willing to take a pay cut for a switch to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This experienced German goalkeeper is now as third-choice at Barcelona under new coach Hansi Flick. Having lost his place and undergone an operation, a winter exit looks increasingly likely. Aston Villa were initially mentioned as a possible destination, but that option now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly expressing interest in the keeper.

I. Toney

This prolific England striker has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of being in the national World Cup. But, securing a deal poses major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages render any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

Conor Gallagher

The energetic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the summer but remained at Atlético Madrid. With limited starting appearances in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, remains a possibility, although financial demands could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move will not become permanent. Due to specific rules regarding playing for two clubs in a campaign, a return to his parent club before next summer appears to be the sole viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

The exciting Turkey forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this term. As his existing deal running down, many Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are eager to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's brightest prospects.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Netherlands teenage midfielder has earned parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a major transfer in January. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from Real Madrid for a signing priced at approximately twenty-two million pounds.