After triggering Morgan Gibbs-White’s release clause nearly two weeks ago, almost every Tottenham Hotspur fan would’ve expected a deal to be completed by now.
However, when dealing with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, a deal was never going to be straightforward, but no one could’ve predicted what has happened since.
The Reds have claimed that Thomas Frank’s side made an illegal approach for his signature, resulting in his secret release clause now becoming public.
It’s unclear whether Forest are set to report the club over a potential deal, with all contact between the two sides now ceased as a result of the approach that was made for his signature.
Given the recent delay in a move for the England international, other targets are subsequently being considered in North London, with multiple names entering the mix in the past few days.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
Ardon Jashari has emerged as a surprise option for Spurs in the midfield department as of late, with the Swiss international set to depart Club Brugge this summer.
The Belgian outfit are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £32m for his signature this window, but could face stiff competition from Italian side AC Milan for his signature.
However, another name has entered the mix, with Frank’s side now turning their attention to a deal to sign Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher, according to TBR Football.
The report claims that the Lilywhites have made contact with the Spanish outfit over a potential move for the 25-year-old midfielder during the summer window.
It also states they could be open to offloading the Englishman should they receive an acceptable offer after paying £33m for his signature 12 months ago.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be an upgrade on Sarr
Pape Matar Sarr was a key member of Spurs’ midfield department during the 2024/25 campaign, ending the season with a staggering 55 appearances across all competitions.
The Senegalese international has already made over 100 appearances for the Lilywhites after making his debut for the club back in the 2022/23 season.
He has the potential to become a club legend in North London should he continue on such a trajectory, having time to develop further given his tender age of just 22.
Such a deal to land him a couple of years ago reflects the sensational business the hierarchy have conducted in recent years, now looking a bargain given his £14.6m transfer fee.
However, he may struggle to keep hold of his starting role in the 2025/26 campaign should they complete a deal for Gallagher, with the Englishman having the potential to replace him in the side.
When comparing their stats from the recent season, the Atlético star managed to better him in various areas, highlighting how much of a brilliant addition he would be to Frank’s side this summer.
Gallagher, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, registered more combined goals and assists, offering the side an added goalscoring threat despite his deep-lying role.
He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with more of which going into the final third, showcasing the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, his defensive talents are just as impressive, winning more tackles per 90 and achieving a higher success rate in regaining possession - potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in Frank’s midfield department.
Whilst it’s unclear how much the LaLiga outfit will be demanding for his services this summer, it’s evident that he would be an upgrade on the options currently at the manager’s disposal.
If he can replicate such form in North London, it would be a fantastic piece of business, subsequently allowing the club to move past the current saga over a deal for Gibbs-White.