Tottenham reignite interest in England midfielder but a deal would cost at least £40m
Tottenham are not done yet in midfield, and a familiar name is now back on the radar as they weigh up their next move in the summer transfer market.
It is no secret that Tottenham Hotspur have been actively working to bolster their midfield this summer window.
We have seen Tottenham put in a £60 million bid for Morgan Gibbs-White, as they looked to strengthen the number ten position in their squad. Unfortunately, that pursuit came to nothing after Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis blocked the move, despite Spurs having a medical already lined up.
Tottenham then turned their focus to the holding midfield role, with Joao Palhinha joining Spurs as Thomas Frank’s preferred target.
Tottenham plot Conor Gallagher transfer as Atletico Madrid stance revealed
Football Insider are now reporting that Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on Conor Gallagher this summer after missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.
Gallagher has long been on Tottenham’s radar, with previous windows linking him with a move to North London. Spurs appeared to be closing in on a deal last summer, before the midfielder instead opted to join Atletico Madrid.
However, while Tottenham are said to be keen on the 25-year-old, it is understood that Atletico Madrid are reluctant to part with him, particularly after losing Rodrigo De Paul earlier this summer.
It is further explained that Atletico would likely demand at least £40 million from Tottenham if they are to sanction a move for Gallagher, though it remains unclear whether the England international would even favour a return to the Premier League.
Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider that Tottenham’s interest in the midfielder is longstanding, and that they were close to a deal prior to his La Liga switch.
He said: “Tottenham have a long-term interest in Conor Gallagher – they tried to sign him before he made that move to Atletico Madrid.
“It could be a smart move by Tottenham if they are looking to bring in a new midfielder, having missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White.
“He is on a long-term contract, and if Atletico were to let him go, they will be looking to recoup a lot of the transfer fee they paid to Chelsea – it would be around £40 million at least.
“Also, with Rodrigo De Paul having left Atletico Madrid, would Simeone be willing to let Gallagher go as well? I have got my doubts on that one.
“It is a difficult deal to do, a lot will depend on Conor Gallagher. Does he fancy a return to the Premier League?
“It is a deal that looks difficult to do for me, but I am not surprised that Tottenham are looking at him to bolster that midfield.”
Gallagher’s fit at Spurs and midfield priorities
The addition of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham is an interesting proposition, particularly given that the midfielder’s best position is as a number eight.
Reports continue to claim that Spurs are instead looking to bring in a more advanced midfielder, one capable of operating as a number ten, but given the England international’s track record, he does not entirely fit that profile.
Gallagher, of course, can also play in that role, but he has only featured as an attacking midfielder on 67 occasions, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists – numbers which suggest he is capable of doing a job there.
It is certainly an intriguing link and one that could make sense for Tottenham, who are also targeting players with top-level experience.
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