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The winter transfer window is always a period of feverish rumour and potential major transfers. A number of prominent stars are being linked with moves out of their present teams. We examine a selection of the top figures that are poised to be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' inability to qualify for the AFCON, which has left the forward available, reports suggest a significant transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal with a £65 million buy-out clause active for a two-week period in early January. Recent reports suggest Manchester City have emerged as his services. Other suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to alternative options, potentially opening the door for clubs like Liverpool or Manchester United to attempt a late bid.

Marc Guéhi

This England defender has excel for Crystal Palace this season a previous transfer to Liverpool collapsing. With his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. Numerous top sides, including Manchester City and several continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly be interested. Yet, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's reliance on the player.

B. Johnson

This Wales winger has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Spurs this term. Despite being the side's top scorer the previous campaign, Johnson has started just a handful of league matches. Reports suggest the North London club is open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around £40 million. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace also credited with an interest.

Spurs rate Brennan Johnson at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portugal playmaker might be set for a comeback to the English top flight following a spell in the Saudi Pro League. Still just 28, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential bargain. Teams like Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with the player. Furthermore, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to accept a pay cut for a switch to Real Madrid.

Marc-André ter Stegen

The veteran German goalkeeper finds himself as the third option at Barcelona following new manager Flick. After fallen out of favour and had surgery, a winter departure looks highly likely. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are thought to be showing interest in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

The prolific English striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League might boost his dwindling hopes of being in the national squad. However, arranging a deal presents major hurdles. Al-Ahli are reluctant to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any move difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as admirers.

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

Conor Gallagher

This dynamic midfielder drew considerable interest in the summer but stayed at Atlético Madrid. With limited starts in Spain this season, he may be keen to secure more minutes ahead of the tournament. United have been heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he excelled on a temporary deal, is also a option, although financial demands might prove a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named player of the tournament at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, this talented player has struggled for minutes during his loan spell at Aston Villa. Unai Emery has stated the temporary transfer will not be made permanent. Due to specific rules about representing multiple teams in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool before next season seems to be the only viable outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkey forward is in fine form for the Italian giants this term. With his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the 20-year-old to a lengthy agreement but face a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

This much-admired Netherlands midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major move in January. Newcastle reportedly are leading the chase, but are facing strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at approximately £22 million.