ENIC Masterclass: Spurs Near Deal to Sign a ‘Pochettino-Era Dele Alli’ Type Player for Thomas Frank

Tottenham Hotspur are close to completing the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher in a deal that is seen as a strong piece of business for both ENIC and the club.

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Spurs have agreed a £35 million fee with Atletico, and the England international is expected to sign a five-and-a-half-year contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 25-year-old is set to become Thomas Frank’s first signing of the January transfer window. He is expected to be followed by Santos left-back Souza, after Tottenham agreed a deal and scheduled a medical for the Brazilian teenager earlier this week, according to the same sources.

Central midfield had already been identified as an area for improvement before the window opened, but the situation became more urgent after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for three months through injury.

The partnership between Bentancur and Joao Palhinha has faced criticism this season due to limited attacking contribution. As a result, younger players such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr have been used in midfield, though the position has remained a concern for Frank, with Spurs currently sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

Earlier on Monday, Aston Villa were leading the race to sign Gallagher after agreeing a loan deal with an obligation to buy. However, Tottenham increased their efforts following Bentancur’s injury and proposed a permanent transfer, which Atletico accepted.

Gallagher has made 136 Premier League appearances, over 50 matches in La Liga, and 23 Champions League outings. In the Premier League, he has recorded 18 goals and 13 assists. His pressing ability and work rate have previously led journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke to compare him to Dele Alli during Mauricio Pochettino’s time at the club.

The midfielder is also aiming to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup in North America.

After reinforcing the midfield and left-back positions, Tottenham are also exploring options to sign a new attacker. The club has recently been linked with Lucas Paqueta, Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz, with reports from Spain claiming a bid has been submitted for the Real Madrid forward.

If the deals for Gallagher and Souza are completed this week, Spurs are expected to focus on adding a forward before the transfer window closes.