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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on a dynamic Serie A midfielder whose stock is massively on the rise in Italy, with the prospect of a January move growing by the day.

Thomas Frank has struggled to settle on the right balance to his engine room in the first half of the season, with the Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur axis proving way too defensive-minded and lacking in creativity as well as mobility.

Archie Gray has been added into that mix in recent outings and impressed, to a point, while Lucas Bergvall is a player who has a massive future, although the Swede is better utilised further forward.

And, with our sources revealing that Tottenham are yet to make a decision on turning Palhinha’s loan into a permanent move, the latest reports coming out of Italy are no great surprise.

While the likes of Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves are all being linked with a switch to north London, journalist Guglielmo Trupo claims that Spurs have been massively impressed by Parma midfielder Mandela Keita this season.

The Belgian talent has seen his stock rise rapidly over the course of his time in Italy, where he’s been since the summer of 2024.

Trupo reports that several Premier League clubs are keen on the 23-year-old, although the only one actually mentioned by name is Tottenham.

He wrote on X: “Mandela Keita, engine of Parma: 150 professional appearances at 23 years old, duels and tackles won 100% against Fiorentina. Cuesta is enjoying him, Tottenham is watching. But he’s not the only one in the Premier League eyeing the Belgian.”

A report in Parma Today has also revealed that Tottenham had scouts at the Ennio Tardini Stadium last Saturday to watch Keita in action, with the midfielder winning 100 per cent of his tackles and aerial duels in a 1-0 Parma win against Fiorentina.

It’s stated that Keita made a big impression on those scouts as he dominated play in the middle of the park, something no Tottenham midfielder has arguably done all season, bar the win at Manchester City very early on.

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Latest Tottenham news: Two attacking talents monitored

Tottenham representatives made checks on a top Ligue 1 talent on Saturday, as they ramp up their pursuit of fresh attacking options for Thomas Frank in the January transfer window.

Elsewhere, Spurs’ search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Tottenham representatives made checks on a top Ligue 1 talent on Saturday, as they ramp up their pursuit of fresh attacking options for Thomas Frank in the January transfer window.

Scoring goals has started to become a real issue for a Spurs side who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and are seven points off the top four heading into Sunday’s home clash with high-flying Sunderland.

Indeed, Tottenham have scored just twice in their last four league outings, winning only one of those games, as their injury and suspension-hit attack has looked devoid of creativity.

Landing a new left-winger and striker remain big priorities, and our sources can reveal that scouts were in attendance to watch Monaco sensation Maghnes Akliouche on Saturday.

It was a disappointing game as Monaco were beaten 3-1 by Lyon, with Akliouche unable to make a telling mark on the encounter, although he does still have three goals and five assists to his name so far this season.

Tottenham have identified him as a player with a very high ceiling, though, and attempted talks to sign him in the summer. Ultimately, they found discussions difficult between both the agents and club officials.

While it proved too difficult to strike a deal back then, Spurs have kept a watching brief with a view to signing him this year.

Monaco’s dip in form over the past two months also might mean the player is more inclined to push for a move this time, if indeed Spurs decide to progress in the coming days.

It is difficult to firmly gauge the situation as they are targeting various players simultaneously, sources say, as they look to make a game-changing signing in attack.

Akliouche would command a fee upwards of £50million (€57m / $67m) – which is punchy, but not as much as RB Leipzig are asking for one of their other top targets, Yan Diomande.

Indeed, my colleague Graeme Bailey recently revealed how Leipzig have completely laughed off suggestions that the highly-rated Diomande could be sold for just £50m.

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More Tottenham news: Surprise left-wing target; Real Madrid want Porro

Tottenham’s search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid are considering a bid for Spurs star Pedro Porro because head coach Xabi Alonso believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold needs competition, according to a wild report, which TEAMtalk does not think should be taken seriously.

Tottenham Hotspur’s search for a new left-winger is well underway, and sources have confirmed a surprise top target for Thomas Frank’s side, though he will cost a record-breaking fee.

Sources with knowledge of the search have confirmed to us that Greek international Christos Tzolis is a player who is hugely respected by Spurs’ analytics and scouting department.

The likes of Ademola Lookman, Rodrygo, Savinho, Nico Williams and Maghnes Akliouche are some of the high-profile names on Spurs’ radar.

However, we can confirm another name on their list is Tzolis, and he is rated as high as anyone else by the club’s recruitment team.

We are told that Tottenham’s analytics staff, as well as a high-ranking scout at the club, believe the Greek star should be the one they move for.

The former Norwich City man has been sensational for Club Brugge, who he joined in 2024 after finishing top scorer in Bundesliga 2 with Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Tzolis’ first season in Belgium saw him claim 16 goals and nine assists, and this term he has been even more productive with seven goals and nine assists from 17 starts so far.

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Tottenham scouts wowed by Greek winger; record fee required

We can confirm that Spurs have been watching Tzolis regularly in recent months and the 23-year-old is very much in their thinking for this month.

It is our understanding that Brugge would demand a club record sale to let Tzolis leave, which means they want at least €40million (£35m / $47m).

Brugge’s current record sale is the €37million they received from AC Milan for Charles De Ketelaere in 2022.

Tottenham received around £35m by selling Johnson to Crystal Palace – that move was officially completed on Friday.

If Spurs could sign Tzolis for a figure in that ballpark it could prove to be an excellent bit of business from the London side.

Tzolis might not be as well-known as Real Madrid star Rodrygo or Manchester City man Savinho, but some behind the scenes at Tottenham are convinced that he could make the biggest difference.

Fellow winger Manor Solomon has also left Spurs to join Fiorentina on loan. The deal includes an option to buy worth €10million (£8.7m, $11.7m), though it depends on Fiorentina avoiding relegation.

Latest Tottenham news: Porro, Real Madrid links / Aston Villa join race

Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid could make a move for Tottenham right-back Pedro Porro.

Xabi Alonso wants more competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hasn’t made the expected impact this season, and Spurs man Porro is reportedly a target for the LaLiga side.

In other news, Aston Villa have joined Tottenham in showing interest in Man City forward Omar Marmoush.

Luring Marmoush away from the Etihad will be very difficult mid-season, however.

Aston Villa are interested in bringing Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush to Villa Park in the January transfer window after Tottenham Hotspur made ‘enquiries’ to make him part of Thomas Frank’s side, sources have told TEAMtalk.

Marmoush has been on the books of Man City since January 2025 when he joined from German club Eintracht Frankfurt for £59million (€67.7m, $79.5m). The Egypt international forward signed a contract with the Cityzens until the summer of 2029.

The forward has not had the best of times at the Etihad Stadium so far, scoring nine goals and giving four assists in 40 appearances for Man City.

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has handed Marmoush just two starts in the Premier League and only one in the Champions League so far this season.

Marmoush is now playing for Egypt at the African Cup of Nations, but that has not stopped Aston Villa from trying to sign him in the January transfer window.

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, has said that Villa are making a move to get a deal done for the 26-year-old forward.

Sources have also told us that Tottenham Hotspur have also made enquiries about Marmoush, but Man City are not receptive to the idea of letting him leave in the middle of the season.

Jones told TEAMtalk: “There are whispers emerging out of Egypt that Aston Villa are making a move for Marmoush.

“The idea is fascinating, and as a club that have tried to bring Rashford and Sancho and Elliott back to life in the Premier League, it is reasonable to imagine that they fancy Marmoush to be next.

“His game time at Man City hasn’t been what he would have hoped, and we have reported that Villa are on the lookout for another player for the front line to give them a better chance of sustaining the form they have shown recently.

“But we have also been told recently, though, that Man City do not want to lose Marmoush.

“That was in connection with Tottenham enquiries about the player – so I cannot imagine they would have too much appetite to let him join Villa, who are an even bigger threat to them this season.”

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Omar Marmoush ‘an asset for any team’

Our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, reported on December 21 that Tottenham were looking at Marmoush as a potential alternative to Antoine Semenyo.

At the time, Tottenham were still in the race for Semenyo, who is now set to join Man City.

That might open the door for a potential exit for Marmoush, who can play as a striker, a number 10 and a winger.

However, Fletcher reported before Christmas that Man City manager Guardiola ‘is expected to resist any departure, valuing Marmoush’s role in squad rotation during a congested fixture list’.

Egypt manager Hossam Hassan has urged the forward to stay in the Premier League and believes that he would be good for any side.

Hassan told Asharq when asked about Tottenham’s interest in the Man City forward: “Marmoush would be an asset for any team in the Premier League, and I hope he stays there. He has an agent who will discuss his future with him.”

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Latest Aston Villa transfer news: Harvey Elliott update, Jadon Sancho future

Meanwhile, a trusted source has revealed whether Harvey Elliott could leave Aston Villa and move to Major League Soccer in the January transfer window.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed the latest on the future of Jadon Sancho, who is struggling at Aston Villa following his loan move from Manchester United in the summer of 2025.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told to replace under pressure Thomas Frank with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, with TEAMtalk revealing why that scenario could actually become a reality.

The Italian spent 18 months at Stamford Bridge before leaving on New Year’s Day after a breakdown in his relationship with the club’s owners.

During his time at Chelsea, Maresca won the Conference League and Club World Cup and had a win rate of almost 60%, and former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara wants his old club to act now, given the 45-year-old is being tipped to eventually replace Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has also reacted to talk of Manchester United turning to Maresca, if they sack Ruben Amorim in the near future.

O’Hara, however, is adamant over another Chelsea manager taking over in north London, following the more recent appointments of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

Asked if he would have Maresca at Spurs, he told talkSPORT Breakfast: “Yes, I would have him.

“I think if we could get Enzo Maresca I’d go and get him right now. I think he’s a good manager.”

“He’s won the Club World Cup and the Conference League. I’ve watched Chelsea play and they battered Barcelona, battered Arsenal. They’re a good side. I think they [Chelsea] made a mistake.”

Comparing current Tottenham chief Frank to Maresca, O’Hara added: “He’s alright. He’s a good manager.

“I don’t know if he’s a great manager and I think Enzo Maresca is going to be a great manager.”

DON’T MISS: Tottenham told to ‘revamp’ transfer policy to sign £100m ‘difference maker’ – Exclusive

Why Tottenham could turn to Maresca

Former Brentford boss Frank has been in charge of Tottenham since the summer after replacing Europa League-winning boss Ange Postecoglou on a three-year deal.

However, Spurs currently sit 12th in the Premier League after their goalless draw with Brentford on New Year’s Day was met with utter derision from fans.

Frank has been accused of being way too pragmatic during the first half of the season, although he has been missing his top two creative stars during that time, in James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while summer signing Xavi Simons has struggled to fully adapt to English football.

Despite a run of just three wins in 11 games in all competitions, our sources have told us Frank’s position is not immediately under threat.

That being said, TEAMtalk insider Fraser Fletcher has given insight on the possibility of Maresca actually replacing the Dane in north London.

He told us: “He is someone that Spurs are interested in. The fact he is now a free agent and will be snapped up by the likes of City (should Pep leave) also makes him more of a pressing option.”

One to watch for sure, if results do not improve for Frank at Tottenham.

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More Tottenham news: LaLiga striker chase; seven targets named

Tottenham are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after offloading Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Elsewhere, Spurs believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly checking on the possibility of signing a top LaLiga forward talent in the January window, after nearing a deal to offload Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35million.

Thomas Frank’s men looked completely clueless in the attacking third, not for the first time this season, as they drew 0-0 at his former club Brentford on Thursday.

The display led to calls from the away end of ‘boring, boring Tottenham’ and ‘we want our money back’ as Spurs earned a point at their London rivals in what was their first goalless draw in 137 Premier League outings.

The absence of the banned Xavi Simons and injured Swede Lucas Bergvall, to add to that of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, is certainly not helping Frank try and develop Tottenham‘s play in the final third. However, some Spurs supporters are growing tired of the continued pragmatism and would prefer a change of manager, just six months into the Dane’s tenure in north London.

Adding fresh attacking talent in the January window could help, though, and the latest reports suggest a move for Levante striker Etta Eyong could be on the cards.

According to a report from MailOnline, Tottenham have checked on Eyong as they look to bolster Frank’s forward options, particularly centrally and on the left, in the winter window.

Eyong has scored five goals and laid on one assist for Levante in LaLiga this season, while he also contributed with three goals and assists combined for Villarreal before leaving the club over the summer.

While those stats don’t particularly jump out, Eyong is regarded as a real talent who would give Tottenham more dynamism and power in the No.9 position, especially in Dominic Solanke’s continued absence.

Indeed, he’s already making enough of an impact in Spanish football that Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his progress, while at international level, Eyong is currently away at the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon.

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‘Dangerous’ Eyong could provide Tottenham spark

While not exactly viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Palace-bound Johnson, Eyong could give Spurs more attacking thrust if Solanke’s absence is prolonged.

Richarlison remains an enigma who misses chances quality No.9s would not, while Randal Kolo Muani’s loan move has been pretty disastrous so far, with his only two goals coming in the Champions League against his parent club PSG.

Former Cameroon coach Marc Brys, who was sacked just before AFCON began, certainly believes Eyong has the talent to be an elite striker in European football.

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Brys said: “He’s a very good player, Very modest and humble, which is a gift.

“He’s not an egocentric striker; he plays for the team. I like that: he’s hard-working, he draws attention so others can takeEtta Eyongpop advantage of the space. He played one game with us and did well, even though he didn’t score. He was an important addition to the squad. He has a good heart, he’s polite, and he has no negative attitude. That’s what makes him special.

“He needs to continue developing, to integrate more fully, but he has the potential to score a lot of goals. He’s already shown that, although he hasn’t yet reached his full potential.

“He’s dangerous, unpredictable, and can surprise anyone. And that’s valuable for any top team.”

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Latest Tottenham news: Goretska swoop; Palhinha signing re-think

Arsenal are reportedly in the mix with rivals Tottenham to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretska this month, as sources reveal Thomas Frank’s stance on the 30-year-old.

Elsewhere, Spurs have not yet decided whether to make Joao Palhinha’s deal permanent heading into 2026, but the player has made it clear to the club he wants to stay, TEAMtalk understands.

Finally, Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Arsenal are reportedly in the mix with rivals Tottenham to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretska this month, as sources reveal Thomas Frank’s stance on the 30-year-old.

The Gunners are pushing to lift their first Premier League title since 2003 and while Mikel Arteta is happy with his squad, opportunistic signings are not off the table.

Goretzka, an experienced performer who’s run out 67 times for Germany, could leave Bayern this month. His influence in Munich has diminished since Vincent Kompany took charge last season.

Though he does still start fairly regularly in the Bundesliga, when he does, he’s often hauled off on the hour mark. He has also not started a single game in the Champions League this term.

Goretzka’s agents are looking to find him a new club this month, and according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal could be in the mix to sign him, which would come as a shock given their plethora of quality midfield options.

The report claims that his representatives have been in contact with Arsenal, as well as Manchester United and Tottenham.

‘Everything depends on whether Bayern are willing to sanction a January exit rather than wait until the summer’, the report notes, but we understand that Spurs are the most likely club to take a chance on Goretzka, rather than the Gunners.

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Thomas Frank ‘interested’ in Arsenal-linked star

Our transfer insider, Dean Jones, exclusively told us earlier this week that Goretzka has indeed been offered to several sides, and crucially, Tottenham boss Frank is an admirer of his.

“There have been a few stories linking Spurs with Goretzka and there is something in it,” confirmed Jones.

“The player is keen to explore a move to the Premier League and since Spurs have been sounded out, there have been a few people willing to consider the idea.

“I’m told Thomas Frank is actually one of the interested parties, as he views him as one of the more dependable players they have been offered at a time when they are seriously looking at midfield options for 2026.”

However, there is no guarantee that a transfer happens, as Jones adds that the idea of signing Goretzka has not been universally accepted by all behind the scenes at Spurs.

“My hunch is that such a move won’t actually go ahead because I get the impression enough other people are not convinced this is the right move for them as they attempt to remodel the team and build for the future.

“But it’s a sign of movement and a sign that Spurs are active in the market for a player in that area.”

Tottenham are looking to bring in a replacement for Brennan Johnson quickly, as Fabrizio Romano confirms that the Welsh international is set to join Crystal Palace, with his medical underway.

Palace had been competing with Bournemouth to sign Johnson, who has struggled for form and regular playing time under Thomas Frank this season.

The Eagles had agreed a transfer fee with Spurs earlier this week, and it was down to the 24-year-old to approve the transfer before it could go through.

Now, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has given his ‘here we go’ approval to the deal, confirming how much Palace will pay to sign Johnson.

“Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, here we go! Deal agreed also on player side with personal terms in place,” Romano posted on X.

“£33.5m transfer fee to Tottenham, first part of medical taking place right now. #CPFC finalise important signing for long-term project.”

Johnson has scored only four goals so far this season but Palace will hope he can rediscover his form from last term, when he notched a very impressive 18 goals.

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Tottenham identify potential Johnson replacements

Tottenham want to bring in a new winger to replace Johnson and our transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, has already confirmed two targets for the club.

We understand that RB Leipzig’s exciting young winger Yan Diomande remains firmly on the radar.

Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivorian international, is open to a Premier League move this winter, according to sources close to him.

He joined Leipzig from CD Leganes over the summer for around €20million and has since impressed in the Bundesliga and Champions League with his pace, dribbling and flair. He’s notched seven goals and four assists so far and is widely considered one of the most promising talents in Germany.

However, sources confirm that recent reports suggesting that he could be available for as little as £50m are well wide of the mark – he will be far more expensive, and Leipzig want to fight off approaches.

The second, more attainable target revealed by Fletcher is Manchester City star Oscar Bobb, who could be allowed to leave the Etihad this month.

The 22-year-old Norwegian attacker is stylistically similar to the Savinho profile Spurs chased last summer, with the player also having admirers in north London.

Bobb’s limited minutes at City this season, compounded by recent injury setbacks, could open the door for a loan or permanent switch.

Two more Man City stars on the shortlist

Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Dean Jones, has also reported that Man City duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush are also on Tottenham’s radar, but they could prove difficult to sign this winter.

“It will be interesting to keep an eye on dialogue between Man City and Spurs because a decision to agree to sell Brennan Johnson is a clear indicator that they are going to be bringing in at least one attacker,” Jones exclusively told us.

“We’ve been reporting across recent weeks how they have turned back to Savinho as a transfer candidate and that is something that is likely to remain active, but they like to monitor uncertain situations and Omar Marmoush is someone they have had eyes on.

“Obviously he has a different playing profile, but a lack of certainty over his fit at City has really raised intrigue about whether they could attempt a deal.

“Our sources suggest any such interest will be knocked back as City don’t want to entertain offers for him – but that doesn’t mean Spurs won’t test the water.

“January is all about improving their goal threat and Thomas Frank is involved in helping with the decision making.”

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Tottenham Hotspur have not yet decided whether to make Joao Palhinha’s deal permanent heading into 2026, but the player has made it clear to the club he wants to stay, TEAMtalk understands.

The 30-year-old joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, making an immediate impact with his outstanding performance in the 2-0 win at Manchester City.

But, as Thomas Frank’s new-look side struggle for an identity, it remains to be seen whether Palhinha will be central to his plans going forward. And Frank’s view of Palhinha will play a significant role in whether he stays…or not.

Tottenham have a deal in place with Bayern worth around £27million, but taking on Palhinha’s wages would put him on par with the club’s highest earners.

We can confirm that Palhinha’s people have spoken to Tottenham and made it clear how happy the former Fulham man is to be back in London and he wants to remain.

However, despite the fact Palhinha would not be a huge outlay, we are told the club are yet to make any decision.

They do not want to block up the first-team pathway for the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, and we understand that another midfielder is in their sights in January.

Should Spurs add to their engine room, having already given Rodrigo Bentancur a new contract in October, then the future of Palhinha would be far from certain.

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Bentancur-Palhinha axis an issue for Frank

One of the big issues for Frank is that the Bentancur-Palhinha midfield axis has rarely worked this season, with the duo too defensive-minded and not dynamic enough in what is a high-energy area of the pitch.

That is largely why the Portugal international has found himself on the bench more often than not lately, with Bentancur partnering Gray, Bergavll or to a lesser extent Sarr, who is now away at AFCON.

Frank’s reliance on Bentancur, who has still to hit the same heights he reached before suffering an ACL injury in February 2023, is most definitely playing a part in Palhinha’s lack of game time as a result.

To that end, it’s no surprise to see why a potential re-think is on the cards, even if the player is keen on remaining in north London.

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More Tottenham news: Seven attacking targets revealed; Conor Gallagher move latest

Tottenham believe the output of three key forwards will be transformed if the club land the right creative signing during the January transfer window, with sources revealing that seven top targets are being actively monitored – including the highly-rated Yan Diomande.

Elsewhere, Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Finally, the agent of outstanding FC Koln attacker Said El Mala has dropped a major update on the future of the German talent, amid growing interest from a number of clubs, including north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atletico Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages, with Manchester United and Tottenham among the clubs linked to the former Chelsea midfielder.

Gallagher is allowed to leave the Spanish club if he can find an agreement that suits all parties. He has wanted to fight for his place as he wants to be a success in Spain, but he may have to be open-minded with the transfer window now open.

Sources indicate though that the player’s high wages mean a loan switch is not straight forward.

It is thought that any club looking to sign him will want a loan with option to buy in the summer.

But Gallagher earns up to £200,000-a-week and whether that figure is subsidised could make a difference to whether he lands back in the Premier League.

In addition to Man Utd and Spurs, Newcastle United and Inter Milan have also been linked with a move.

Atletico would be open to a straight forward permanent move for the midfielder but it is thought that a loan is going to be more likely.

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What sources are saying about Conor Gallagher

On Monday, my colleague Graeme Bailey revealed that Gallagher had spoken with his manager Diego Simeone about his future prior to the Christmas break.

Simeone would prefer to keep Gallagher but acknowledges he wants to go to the World Cup and may not be able to guarantee him the regular gametime he would need to be in contention for that.

A source close to the situation explained to TEAMtalk: “Atletico acknowledge they can’t give Conor the football he wants and deserves.

“That is the key issue, and they know he is too good to sit on the bench and they don’t want to wreck his chances of going to the World Cup.”

And yesterday, my colleague Fraser Fletcher explained that Gallagher would be keen on a move back to the Premier League.

Atletico’s asking price for a permanent transfer would be in the region of €30million (£26.2m / $35.3m).

Which other midfielders are Man Utd and Spurs linked with?

Aside from Gallagher, Man Utd are doing work on a variety of options in midfield, where they want to sign two new players in 2026: one in January and one in the summer.

Names like Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba have been doing the rounds for some time.

Another option touted is Ruben Neves, although we understand he would only be seen as a last-minute backup plan.

A new name on the radar is AZ Alkmaar prospect Kees Smit, but sources have elsewhere played down the chances of Everton’s James Garner returning to the club.