Tottenham hatch Conor Gallagher transfer plan in two-club battle to sign ex-Chelsea star

Tottenham have renewed their interest in Conor Gallagher but they aren't the only Premier League club keen on signing the former Chelsea star this month

Tottenham want to sign former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher this month.

Spurs are desperate for reinforcements before the January window slams shut but whether Thomas Frank is in charge to integrate new signings remains to be seen.

Frank faces an uncertain future in north London following the defeat by Aston Villa in the FA Cup third-round.

Ironically, Villa are also keen to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher, 25, and have already opened talks over a permanent deal.

football.london understands that Spurs have now stepped up their interest, having been long-term admirers and they looked to sign the England international before he left Stamford Bridge to move to Spain in 2024.

It's understood that Atletico Madrid will only entertain talks for a permanent deal and are not willing to allow Gallagher to leave on loan this month with a view or obligation to buy in the summer.

Villa's offer to bring Gallagher back to the Premier League has been on the table for a week, with Spurs believed to have opened informal talks over the weekend.

Other European clubs are understood to be interested too, but they are reluctant to fork out on a permanent deal this month or would prefer a loan with a view to buying the midfielder.

Gallagher, who has won 22 caps with England, could be keen on a return to the Premier League having struggled to cement a regular first-team spot under Diego Simeone.

He has made 27 appearances in all competitions for Atletico this season, scoring twice and grabbing one assist, but is yet to fully earn Simeone's trust and is often played out of position.

With the World Cup this summer to think about, Gallagher is understood to be keen on proving his worth to Thomas Tuchel as he looks to land a spot on the plane with the Three Lions.

Gallagher enjoyed a hugely successful spell in the Premier League before his move to Atletico, having announced himself during an impressive loan spell with Crystal Palace in 2021-22.

He returned to Stamford Bridge to become a key part of the first-team and captained the Blues before being pushed towards the exit in a £33million move.

But his time in Spain could now be up, with Spurs and Villa battling it out for his signature.