Bid 'imminent' as Aston Villa and Tottenham set out to convince 'unwilling' player
Aston Villa may have to hurry in their attempts to sign a priority transfer target as Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a bid.
Unai Emery has given Villa the green light to make an official approach to Chelsea for Conor Gallagher but the club’s current financial position could cause a delay.
The Villans are currently on the fine line with the Premier League’s strict profit and sustainability (PSR) rules, so sales must first be made before any big summer acquisitions. A motion was tabled to increase the threshold for three-year losses from £105 million to £135 million but the vote failed.
It’s been widely reported that Villa have listed Gallagher as their number one midfield target ahead of the upcoming transfer window, but Spurs are equally as keen. Ange Postecoglou’s side have assessed Gallagher and want to bring him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
TEAMtalk claims Spurs are readying an official bid, below Chelsea’s reported asking price of £50 million. It’s hoped the fact Gallagher only has 12 years left on his contract can prompt a slight discount, while the Blues’ desperation to sell for their own PSR woes could rush through a cheaper deal.
Villa are yet to make an offer but contact has been made with both Chelsea and Gallagher to make their interest official. The 13-time England international, selected by Gareth Southgate for the 2024 UEFA European Championships in Germany, scored five and assisted seven in 37 Premier League games last term.
Gallagher appears unwilling to join Villa or Spurs
The midfielder doesn’t share the same urgency as his club for a Stamford Bridge departure and if anything, he’s determined to stay put. An academy graduate with 95 appearances, 10 goals and 10 assists, Gallagher wants to help bring the Blues back to the top of the Premier League pile.
“Myself and everyone at Chelsea are excited and happy to work with Enzo Maresca,” Gallagher told Sky Sports. “We want to get Chelsea back to where they belong!”
The player may not get his wish as the Blues sacrificing him for funds would be a logical move. As Gallagher didn’t cost a penny, any sale would be pure profit for the club, offering a huge help to avoid sanctions ahead of an important season under yet another new manager.