By SIMON JONES
Published: 14:36 EST, 12 January 2026 | Updated: 14:47 EST, 12 January 2026
Tottenham have agreed to meet Atletico Madrid’s £34.6million asking price for Conor Gallagher after being rebuffed in an approach to take him on loan earlier today.
Aston Villa have only proposed a loan with obligation to buy.
Gallagher has yet to be given permission to talk personal terms - as of 7.15pm - with Tottenham.
Discussions are expected to accelerate as the night continues with Spurs’ owners based in USA.
Spurs began exploring the market for a midfielder after discovering that Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to miss most of the season with a hamstring injury.
Tottenham have agreed to meet Atletico Madrid¿s £34.6million asking price for Conor Gallagher after being rebuffed in an approach to take him on loan earlier today
The 28-year-old's absence leaves Spurs very short in central midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also currently injured, and there is no timeframe on his return yet.
When Spurs originally asked Atletico about the possibility of bringing in Gallagher they were told a straight loan deal is not on the table. The Spaniards are only willing to consider a permanent move - or a loan deal with a clear obligation to buy.
Simon JonesChelsea