Tottenham Hotspur have escalated their pursuit of midfielder Conor Gallagher, setting the stage for a direct transfer battle with Premier League rivals Aston Villa as the January window enters its final stages.
North London Interest Ramps Up
Spurs, long-term admirers of the England international, have now stepped up their efforts to bring the 25-year-old back to the Premier League. The North London club had previously tried to sign Gallagher before his £33 million move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2024.
This renewed push comes as manager Thomas Frank seeks reinforcements for his struggling squad, though his own future at the club remains uncertain following Tottenham's FA Cup third-round defeat to Aston Villa.
Villa's Proposal and Atletico's Stance
In an ironic twist, it is that very same Aston Villa who have emerged as serious competitors for Gallagher's signature. Villa have already held talks over a permanent transfer, with their proposal understood to have been on the table for a week.
Crucially, Atletico Madrid are only willing to discuss a permanent sale this month, having ruled out a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy in the summer. This stance has reportedly deterred other interested European clubs, who favour a temporary arrangement.
Gallagher's Motivation for a Move
The midfielder, who has 22 England caps, is believed to be open to a Premier League return after struggling to cement a regular starting role under Diego Simeone. Despite making 27 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing one assist, Gallagher has often been played out of position and has not fully won over his manager.
With the next World Cup on the horizon, sources indicate Gallagher is eager to prove his worth to national team boss Thomas Tuchel and secure his place in the Three Lions squad, a task potentially easier from a Premier League base.
Gallagher previously excelled in England's top flight, most notably during a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 season. He returned to Chelsea to become a key first-team figure and even captained the side before his departure to Spain.
As the January transfer deadline approaches, the contest between Tottenham and Aston Villa for Conor Gallagher's signature is poised to be one of the window's most intriguing sagas.
