Forget Gallagher: Aston Villa could turn to £50m shock alternative after ruthless Tottenham transfer hijack

Aston Villa have been one of the form sides in the country in recent months and with most things appearing to go right for Unai Emery’s side lately, they will have received some unwanted transfer news on Monday.

The Villans had been in for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and reports suggested that a deal had been verbally agreed for the former Chelsea man. That was until Tottenham Hotspur stepped in with a major hijack to agree a £35 million deal for the England midfielder, who is reportedly undergoing a medical to be announced as a Spurs player.

The news will come as a blow to Villa, who have seen midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana pick up injuries in recent weeks to join Ross Barkley on the side-lines. Emery has few options in the middle of the park at present and may look to the transfer market to secure an alternative to Gallagher this month.

Aston Villa could secure new midfielder with stunning rival swoop

In what would certainly be a controversial move, Aston Villa could look to Joao Gomes of Wolves to solve their midfield crisis this month. While taking a star player off their local rivals mid-season would come as a major turn of events, it would be a move which could work out for both player and club.

Gomes has seen links to several of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and in Europe this season, such as Villa in addition to the likes of Manchester United and Napoli and is likely to depart Molineux if Wolves are relegated this season.

Despite their recent upturn in form, a great escape for Wanderers is highly unlikely and first-team players have been linked with a January exit as a result. One of these is Jorgen Strand Larsen, and another could be Gomes if Villa were to make an audacious approach.

The 24-year-old has proven himself to be a capable Premier League performer in the middle of the park and has even worn the captain’s armband on occasion, while he will know that shining for Villa would give him the best possible chance of making Brazil’s World Cup squad next summer. Wolves will also be aware that they are more likely to command a high transfer fee – with previous reports suggesting they could demand £50m – in January than after relegation next summer.

Could Villa really launch a shock move for Wolves’ Gomes?

Whether this deal could happen likely hinges on whether either of Gomes or Wolves block a controversial move to rivals Villa from happening altogether. From a footballing standpoint, it makes perfect sense for Villa to pursue a move and for Wolves to accept a lucrative January bid. Gomes offers many of Gallagher’s combative and hard-working qualities in midfield and has room left to grow, so could prove an astute investment.

While there are several midfielders around on the market, few have Premier League and international experience such as that of Gomes without commanding a fee which would break all transfer records for Villa. What is clear is that amidst their recent injury issues, Emery could do with a new option in midfield this summer who is capable of elevating his squad as they aim to challenge domestically and in the Europa League. Whether Villa opt to make a sensational move for Gomes this month will make for interesting viewing.