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The January transfer market is always a period of feverish speculation and potential major deals. Several prominent footballers are being linked with transfers away from their current teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key figures who could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON, this has left the forward available, reports suggest a major move is close. The Bournemouth attacker has a deal with a sizeable buy-out clause applicable for a two-week period in early January. Latest reports indicate the Premier League champions are now the frontrunners for his signature. Former suitors such as Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, leaving teams like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a last-minute move.

Marc Guéhi

The England centre-back has continued to impress for Crystal Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield falling through. As his deal due to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, including City and multiple continental powerhouses like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. Yet, a winter departure is considered difficult, particularly given the coach's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Welsh winger has found starting minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the side's top scorer last season, Johnson has begun only a small number of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the right valuation, thought to be in the region of forty million pounds. Bournemouth are currently leading the chase, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an inquiry.

Spurs rate the Welsh international at around forty million pounds.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he represents a possible opportunity. Teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the player. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a switch to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The veteran German shot-stopper is now as the third option at Barça following the coach Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks highly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option currently seems unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly expressing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English centre-forward has continued scoring regularly in Saudi Arabia. A return to the Premier League could enhance his fading hopes of being in the national squad. But, securing a transfer presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge weekly wages make any agreement complicated. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United have all been mentioned as admirers.

The striker was instrumental as his Saudi club to a win in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

This dynamic English midfielder drew widespread interest in the off-season but stayed at Atlético. With few starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United have been strongly linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, a club he excelled on loan, is also a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Although excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the talented player has found it tough for game time on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding playing for multiple teams in a campaign, a return to Liverpool before next season seems to be the sole available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for Juventus this term. As his existing deal running down, many English sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to tie down the youngster to a new long-term agreement but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest prospects.

Kees Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After starring at the Under-19 European Championship, he has become a regular in the AZ first team. The teenager is widely tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle reportedly are frontrunners, but could face strong competition from the Spanish champions for a signing priced at approximately £22 million.