From Guéhi and Yildiz – Who Could Be on the Move in the winter Transfer Market?

The January recruitment period is always a period of feverish speculation and potential big-money transfers. Numerous prominent footballers find themselves linked with transfers away from their present teams. We examine some of the key names that could be on the move this month.

A. Semenyo

Despite the Black Stars' failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, this has kept the player in contention, reports suggest a major transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a deal featuring a £65 million release clause applicable for a two-week period at the start of the month. Recent developments indicate the Premier League champions look to have won the race for his signature. Former interested parties such as Chelsea and Tottenham reportedly have turned their attention to alternative options, leaving teams like Manchester United or Liverpool to make a last-minute bid.

M. Guéhi

This English centre-back has continued to impress for Palace this season a summer transfer to Anfield collapsing. With his contract set to expire in the close season, this represents the London club's final chance to secure a fee for their skipper. A host of elite clubs, such as City and multiple continental powerhouses including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona, reportedly hold an interest. However, a winter exit is considered unlikely, especially given the manager's dependence on the player.

Brennan Johnson

The Welsh winger has found first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Although being the side's leading goalscorer last season, he has started just a handful of Premier League games. It is understood the London outfit would be willing to consider a sale for the right valuation, thought to be in the around forty million pounds. Bournemouth appear to be leading the chase, with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brentford additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

Rúben Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a comeback to the Premier League after a spell in Saudi Arabia. Now just twenty-eight, while his contract expiring in the summer, he is a potential opportunity. Teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been rumours from Spain that he is prepared to accept a reduced salary for a move to Real Madrid.

M. ter Stegen

The experienced Germany goalkeeper finds himself as third-choice at Barça following the coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a winter exit seems highly probable. Aston Villa were once linked as a possible suitor, but that option currently seems off. Instead, interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

I. Toney

This proven English striker has continued finding the net frequently in the Middle East. Coming back to the Premier League could boost his fading chances of making the national World Cup. But, arranging a transfer poses significant hurdles. His current club do not wish to part with him, and his reported huge salary make any agreement difficult. Tottenham, Manchester United, and Everton have all been linked as interested parties.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to a win in the domestic cup final.

C. Gallagher

The energetic midfielder drew widespread attention in the off-season but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in Spain this term, he may be keen to secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a return to Selhurst Park, where he shone on loan, is also a option, though financial constraints might be a problem.

H. Elliott

Despite excelling and being named the best player award at the Under-21 European Championship last summer, the young player has struggled for minutes on loan at Villa. The manager has stated the temporary transfer will not become permanent. Because of specific rules regarding playing for multiple teams in a season, a move back to his parent club prior to next summer seems to be the sole viable solution.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward is in excellent form for the Italian giants this season. As his current contract nearing its end, a host of Premier League sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are monitoring the developments. Juventus are desperate to tie down the youngster to a lengthy contract but are in a battle to retain one of Europe's most promising prospects.

Kees Smit

The highly-touted Dutch teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. Following impressing at the U19 Euros, he has become a regular in the AZ Alkmaar first team. This 19-year-old is widely tipped to make a big-money transfer this month. Newcastle United are believed to be leading the chase, but could face strong rivalry from the Spanish champions for a deal valued at approximately twenty-two million pounds.