Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of completing the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, having moved ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the England international.
According to BBC Sport, Spurs are ready to seal a £35 million deal for the 25-year-old after agreeing to meet Atletico’s valuation in full.
Aston Villa had initially been confident of landing Gallagher and were considered early favourites, but their proposal of a loan move with an option to buy failed to satisfy the Spanish club, who prefer an outright sale.
Atletico Madrid are open to selling Gallagher permanently this summer, with Tottenham’s willingness to proceed with a straight transfer placing them firmly in pole position. Talks over personal terms are ongoing and are believed to be close to completion.
Gallagher is keen to have the move wrapped up quickly as he looks to settle his future ahead of the new season.
A return to the Premier League would be a major boost for the midfielder, who joined Atletico from Chelsea last season. Gallagher is hopeful that regular football in England will improve his chances of forcing his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the summer World Cup.
The midfielder has featured just once under Tuchel so far, playing 59 minutes in England’s 3–1 friendly defeat to Senegal, and is eager to put himself back in contention for a regular international role.
Tottenham’s interest has been accelerated by midfield injury concerns, with Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for at least three months. Spurs are keen to add energy and depth to the centre of the pitch, with Gallagher’s high-intensity style seen as a good fit for Ange Postecoglou’s system.
