Tottenham Hotspur were eyeing a deal for Liverpool star Curtis Jones in January, before making a move for Conor Gallagher instead, according to one club insider.
Thomas Frank's side were rocked by news that midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is set to be sidelined for around three months after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, which sparked the north London outfit into action in the transfer market, agreeing a £35m deal with Atletico Madrid to sign Gallagher on Monday.
But it has now emerged that the former Chelsea man was not the only midfielder on the club's shortlist of options this month, although he is likely to be the only arrival in that position for Spurs.
Tottenham Eyed Curtis Jones Before Gallagher
Jones, who has been described as a 'complete midfielder' by Arne Slot, has become a key member of the Premier League champions' midfield this season after a tough start, where he was on the bench for large portions of the campaign as they suffered several defeats.
However, the England international is now into the final 18 months of his contract, and with Spurs keen to add a more progressive central midfielder to their ranks, it has now emerged from one agent with inside links to Tottenham that he was on their shortlist.
But Spurs' deal to sign Gallagher has seemingly brought an end to that pursuit for now, although it could potentially be something that is revisited in the summer if the 24-year-old doesn't renew his Anfield deal between now and then.
Tottenham Midfield Targets Baffling
While Jones and Gallagher are both fine midfielders in their own right, they're completely different types of profile and it makes Tottenham's interest in both a bit peculiar.
Jones is someone who loves to be on the ball, dictating play, beating his man with skill and delivering into the final third. Gallagher, on the other hand, is someone whose best attributes are largely off the ball, with great energy and defensive bite, while he likes to make late runs into the box.
The injury to Bentancur may well have seen plans shifted, but Spurs should be looking to bring in a midfielder like Jones alongside Gallagher, rather than one or the other.
Jones is a boyhood Liverpool fan and is playing regularly, so convincing him to leave is never going to be easy, but it's certainly a situation to keep an eye on heading into the summer if his contract situation isn't resolved.