Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher after edging ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the England international.
According to BBC Sport, Spurs are prepared to meet Atletico’s £35 million valuation in full, putting them in a strong position to complete a deal for the 25-year-old. Villa had previously been confident of securing Gallagher’s signature but failed to convince the Spanish club after proposing a loan move with an option to buy.
Atletico are open to a permanent sale this summer, and Tottenham’s readiness to complete an outright transfer has given them a decisive advantage. While personal terms are yet to be finalised, talks are ongoing and are expected to be straightforward.
Gallagher is keen to resolve his future quickly, ideally before Atletico’s Copa del Rey fixture against Deportivo, as he looks to focus on preparations for the new season.
A return to the Premier League would be a major step for the midfielder, who spent last season in Spain following his exit from Chelsea. Gallagher believes regular playing time in England could boost his chances of earning a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
He has made just one appearance under Tuchel so far, playing 59 minutes in a 3–1 friendly defeat to Senegal, and is determined to re-establish himself at international level.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Gallagher has also been driven by injury problems in midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur sidelined for at least three months. Spurs are eager to strengthen the centre of the pitch, and Gallagher’s energy and high-intensity approach are seen as an ideal fit for Ange Postecoglou’s system.
