22 December 2023 , 07:39
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Tottenham remain interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
It's believed Spurs agreed the principles of a deal in August, but Chelsea pulled out. The Blues failed to find a replacement for Gallagher, 23, and new manager Mauricio Pochettino was impressed with his displays during the opening month of the season.
The England international has gone on to start every Premier League game this season, except the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United due to suspension. He's also captained the team 10 times in the absence of injured pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Yet Chelsea still might sell Gallagher in January. That's because the midfielder is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract and the two parties are yet to agree a new one.
As reported by Sky Sports News, Tottenham are aware of Gallagher's situation and may decide to make a move in January. It's unclear exactly how much Chelsea will demand for the U17 World Cup winner, but they won't sell to a direct rival on the cheap.
Gallagher's hopes of joining Tottenham may depend on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg's situation. The Denmark international will need to leave Spurs to make room for Gallagher, although there are thought to be plenty of suitors. Juventus are the favourites to sign him.
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It would be tough for Chelsea to lose a young player of Gallagher's quality. He's been at the club for 15 years and has played 65 first-team games. Gallagher broke into the side after completing impressive loan spells with Charlton, Swansea, West Brom and Crystal Palace. England boss Gareth Southgate is a fan, capping the player 11 times to date.
Yet Tottenham's priority in January is signing a centre-back due to their lack of depth. Micky van de Ven has a hamstring injury but will return next month, while Davinson Sanchez is yet to be replaced following his summer move to Galatasaray.
Gallagher has captained Chelsea several times this season (Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Do you think Tottenham should sign Conor Gallagher? Let us know in the comments below!
Ange Postecoglou doesn't appear to be a fan of Eric Dier, with the centre-back playing just two games this season. Both of those appearances ended in defeat. Postecoglou has often resorted to playing full-backs Emerson Royal and Ben Davies down the middle.
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo is thought to be their No.1 January target, with the 23-year-old available for around £35million. There's also been talk about Jarrad Branthwaite, but Everton don't want to lose the 21-year-old. They rate him at £100m.
Postecoglou told Sky Sports: "We let Davinson Sanchez go after the window closed. We kind of knew we were taking a bit of a risk; we couldn't get the extra centre-back that we were trying to get in, and for the early part of the year that was fine.
"But once we lost Micky, and Eric Dier's had some issues as well, we don't have another centre-back... but again, we've got to get the right person. It's not just about bringing another body in, it's about getting the right one in and hopefully that'll happen."