The Sun have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to get Conor Gallagher during the current transfer window but they might get their man next summer.
Over the past few days, multiple outlets have said that Spurs are ready to turn their attention to signing a midfielder after concluding Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin deals, with Gallagher still alleged to be the Lilywhites’ top target (Independent).
In fact, it was even alleged by Football Insider on Friday that Ange Postecoglou’s men are in ‘daily dialogue’ over a deal for the 23-year-old.
January move unlikely for Gallagher to Tottenham
The Sun have now said that even though Tottenham have not given up on their pursuit of Gallagher, the North London side are ‘unlikely’ to land the player this month.
The outlet says that Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy that selling the England international mid-season would be a mistake.
However, the publication adds that Spurs might make another attempt at signing Gallagher next summer as the player is currently not part of Chelsea’s long-term plans.
A source with knowledge of the midfielder’s situation is quoted as saying: “Tottenham want to sign Conor, but there’s a massive timing issue at play. Chelsea had been open-minded to letting the player go a couple of months ago and Spurs thought the deal was in place.
“But in recent weeks Conor has become of vital importance to the team and the manager thinks letting him go now could lead to major problems in the second half of the season.
“He’s not necessarily a part of Pochettino’s long-term plans but he is seen as a vital part of the project for the time being. Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club and wants to help them to turn the season around.
“He is also massively popular with the fans and the board will fear a massive backlash if they let him go and he takes Spurs, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals, into the Champions League while they are left stuck in the middle of the table.”
Spurs Web Opinion
We know that Pochettino values Gallagher. The danger for Spurs, if they put off the move until the summer, is that the midfielder sorts out his differences with the club’s hierarchy and signs a new contract.
I do believe that the Blues might be inclined to offer the 23-year-old a new deal if he stays this month as they would now want to risk letting him run down his contract any further.