Tottenham are feeling more and more positive about their chances of persuading Chelsea to sell Conor Gallagher this summer, even though it is believed that Chelsea may be reluctant to part with him, and for a price much lower than initially anticipated.
The Australian manager has impressed in his first season in north London, despite initial doubts about Daniel Levy’s decision to recruit the 58-year-old from Celtic. Not only has Postecoglou won over fans with his style of play, but he has also become a favorite of the media for his straightforward and down-to-earth approach.
However, like all Tottenham managers before him, he will ultimately be judged on the club’s ability to win a trophy, and their chances this season are now over, or nearly so.
While they still have a chance to win the Premier League title, they currently trail table-topping Liverpool by at least 13 points heading into their next game against Crystal Palace on March 2. A top-four finish this season would still be considered a successful first season in charge, with the real judgment on winning trophies coming in the future.
To help achieve their goals this season, Postecoglou had hoped to bring in another midfield option and spent a good part of the January window trying to sign England international Gallagher.
Despite Chelsea’s apparent willingness to sell, it was ultimately reported that they were asking for around £50m, a price that was deemed too high for Levy and the club.
However, it has since been revealed that a summer deal for Gallagher could potentially cost Spurs far less than initially expected.
By the summer window, Gallagher will only have a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge. Transfer journalist Dean Jones has suggested that there is hope that a move to Spurs could be possible, and for a reduced fee, as his value in the market is likely around £30-35m at the moment.
Although Spurs have already secured the signing of Lucas Bergvall ahead of the summer window, a deal for Gallagher could potentially mean the end of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s time at the club, as Postecoglou sees an upgrade in Gallagher that aligns more with the team’s high-tempo style.
