Tottenham and Aston Villa are among the clubs linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Since leaving Chelsea in 2024, Gallagher has struggled to become a first-team regular for the La Liga giants.
Conor Gallagher has been linked with Spurs…😯
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He could now be back in the Premier League a year-and-a-half later, as competition is rife for his services.
Tottenham step up interest in Conor Gallagher
According to Football London, Spurs have stepped up their interest in signing the England international.
They have been long-term admirers of Gallagher and even looked to sign him before he left Stamford Bridge in 2024.
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Thomas Frank wants a new midfielder at Tottenham, and the former Chelsea player is someone he admires.
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Atletico are open to letting Gallagher leave, but will only sanction a permanent sale and do not want to let him leave on loan.
Villa have already made an offer for him a week ago, and Spurs have now made their move by opening informal talks over the weekend.
What has been said about Gallagher?
Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino worked with Gallagher during the Argentine’s one year as Chelsea manager.
He shared a good working relationship with the English midfielder who contributed immensely to his system, in and out of possession.
Pochettino said: “I think he is a player with a great commitment to the team. He is always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations. It’s priceless to have a player like him.”
Diego Simeone, his current manager, also had similar things to say about his work rate and adaptability to a new league.
He said: “When we think of him, we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well.
“It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language … He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable.
“He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”
BBC pundit Gareth Crooks was also impressed when he watched Gallagher putting in a shift for Chelsea against Fulham back in 2023.
He wrote: “Nothing prepared me for the way Gallagher performed at Craven Cottage.
“The newly installed Chelsea captain didn’t just cover every blade of grass but also played with a maturity that justified the role.”