Dip Connect Online News reports that Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, having overtaken Aston Villa in the race for the England international.
According to BBC Sport on Tuesday, Spurs are expected to complete a £35 million transfer for the 25-year-old after indicating their willingness to meet Atletico Madrid’s full valuation.
Aston Villa had earlier been confident of securing Gallagher and were considered frontrunners at the start of the transfer window. However, their proposal of an initial loan deal with an option to buy failed to satisfy Atletico, who are keen on an outright sale.
Tottenham’s readiness to proceed with a permanent transfer has now put them firmly in pole position. While personal terms are yet to be finalised, talks are ongoing and are understood to be largely a formality.
A return to the Premier League would be a major boost for Gallagher, who spent last season in Spain following his move from Chelsea. He is hopeful that regular football in England will improve his chances of reclaiming a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
So far, Gallagher has featured just once under Tuchel, playing 59 minutes in England’s 3–1 friendly defeat to Senegal, and he is eager to push for a regular international role.
Tottenham’s pursuit of the midfielder has been accelerated by injury problems in their squad, with Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for at least three months. The club is keen to strengthen its midfield, and Gallagher’s high-energy playing style is viewed as a strong fit for Ange Postecoglou’s system.
Elijah Adeyemi
