Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher is facing an uncertain future as Tottenham linger for his signature
There is an increasing possibility that Tottenham’s search for a new midfielder will continue as we approach the January transfer window in a few months’ time. The Lilywhites tried to bring in a new #8 all summer to play alongside Joao Palhinha in the middle of the park. But the North London club failed to lure any of its intended targets to N17, leaving Thomas Frank with a massive headache for the time being.
As of now, the Danish tactician has opted to play Rodrigo Bentancur or Pape Matar Sarr in that role for Spurs. And it is fair to say that the gamble of utilising them as progressive midfielders has worked out pretty well for the ex-Brentford boss. But this cannot go on for long if the Lilywhites want to compete hard on all four fronts this season.
With Bentancur showing no signs of signing a contract extension at N17 anytime soon, it looks like Tottenham might have to up their ante in January and bring in a replacement quickly. The Uruguay international only has 11 months left in his Spurs contract, and it looks like he might be leaving the club on a free next summer.
Tottenham suffer setback in their efforts to sign Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher
It was reported earlier that Tottenham were keeping tabs on Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher after viewing him as an ideal fit for the #8 role at N17. The Lilywhites were also willing to test the waters for his signature by putting in a compelling offer of around £45m for his services in January. Not only that, but the England international was believed to be open for a move as the North London club promised him regular gametime.
However, the move was later tipped to break down after Atletico Madrid made it clear that the 25-year-old is still seen as an important part of Diego Simeone’s setup. The La Liga giants were tipped to shut down all potential exit routes for Gallagher in January if they managed to qualify for the latter stages of the Champions League in the coming months.
Adding to that, there is a new update regarding Conor Gallagher’s transfer links to Tottenham. As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Atletico Madrid have increased the asking price for the England international’s services, with the Spanish giants now asking €60m for a potential January move. The report also states that Spurs are in no mood to overpay for the 25-year-old, hinting that they are willing to back down for the time being.
It seems as though the Lilywhites might have to find other alternatives in January to fill a potential void in the midfield. Spurs are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton as the England international looks all set for an exit sooner or later. Signing the England international will surely elevate the quality of the midfield, ticking all the boxes for a progressive midfielder the Lilywhites are looking for.