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This winter recruitment period proves to be a period of intense rumour and possible major transfers. A number of prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. Here is a look at a selection of the key names that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Although Ghana's failure to reach the AFCON, which has left the player available, reports suggest an important move is imminent. This 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a brief period at the start of the month. Recent developments suggest Manchester City look to have won the race for his services. Other interested parties like Tottenham and Chelsea are said to have moved on to other options, potentially opening the door for teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to attempt a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

The England defender has impress for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to run out in the close season, this represents the club's final chance to obtain a fee for their captain. Numerous top clubs, such as Manchester City and several European giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, particularly given the coach's reliance on the defender.

Brennan Johnson

The Wales forward has had first-team minutes hard to come by at Spurs this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, Johnson has started just a small number of Premier League games. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, thought to be in the region of £40 million. The Cherries are currently at the front of the queue, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford also credited with an inquiry.

Tottenham rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

The Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight following a period in the Saudi Pro League. Still only 28, and with his contract ending in the summer, he is a possible bargain. Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United are connected to the former Wolves man. Additionally, there are suggestions from Spain that he would be prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to the Spanish giants.

M. ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barcelona following the manager Flick. Having fallen out of favour and undergone an operation, a winter departure looks increasingly probable. Aston Villa were initially linked as a possible destination, but that option now appears off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are thought to be expressing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific England centre-forward has continued finding the net frequently in Saudi Arabia. Coming back to the Premier League might boost his fading hopes of making the England squad. However, arranging a transfer presents significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any move complicated. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

Ivan Toney was instrumental as his Saudi club to victory in the Saudi Super Cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew considerable attention in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. Having limited starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to find more playing time ahead of the tournament. Manchester United have been heavily connected, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, remains a option, though wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and winning the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship in the summer, the young midfielder has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding representing multiple teams in a season, a return to his parent club before next summer seems to be the only viable solution.

Kenan Yildiz

This highly-rated Turkish attacker has been in fine form for the Italian giants this term. As his current contract running down, a host of English clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the situation. The Turin club are eager to secure the youngster to a new long-term contract but are in a race to retain one of Europe's brightest young talents.

K. Smit

The highly-touted Dutch midfielder has earned parallels to a Belgian superstar for his playing style. Following starring at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. The teenager is heavily tipped to complete a major move this month. Newcastle United reportedly are leading the chase, but could face strong competition from Real Madrid for a signing valued at around £22 million.