Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still keen to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher before the January transfer window closes for business.
Ange Postecoglou's side have brought in Timo Werner on loan from RB Leipzig for the second half of the campaign, while a deal for Genoa's Radu Dragusin is close to being completed.
A new number eight is believed to be Tottenham's final January target, and according to The Independent, Gallagher remains at the top of the London club's wishlist.
The report claims that the Spurs head coach wants 'a running midfielder', and Gallagher is viewed as the ideal acquisition, with the North London outfit been given encouragement that an offer in the region of £50m would be accepted by their capital rivals.
The England international has been a vital player for Mauricio Pochettino's side this season, featuring on 25 occasions in all competitions, contributing four assists in the process.
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Gallagher came through the youth system at Chelsea, making his first-team debut for the club in 2019, and he has represented the Blues on 70 occasions, scoring three goals and registering five assists in the process.
The Englishman has had loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace during his professional career.
Gallagher made 45 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, and he has captained the Blues in the absence of Reece James during the 2023-24 campaign.
There were rumours surrounding his future ahead of the team's last Premier League clash against Luton Town on December 30, with Tottenham said to have stepped up their interest.
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Earlier this month, Chelsea head coach Pochettino admitted that he 'could not guarantee' Gallagher would remain at the club beyond the end of the January market.
"We need to talk about many things but it is clear Conor [still has] a one and a half year contract with us. Nothing to announce, nothing to say. The club is happy with him, he is happy here," said the manager.
"Look, I cannot guarantee I will be here tomorrow! In football, different things can happen. [There are] decisions between the club and player. Only the player can guarantee or the club. The player more than the club as the player have one year and half more.
"[Gallagher] can say "I will be here because my contract allows me to be here". It's about making the right decision for the club, the player and the team."
Tottenham could have both Werner and Dragusin available for Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, providing that the latter is registered by Friday's deadline.
Matt Law
