Ange Postecoglou rates Tottenham's chances of signing Conor Gallagher from Chelsea
- Tottenham have tracked Gallagher since the summer
- Chelsea's asking price of over £50m has proven problematic
- Midfielder has 18 months remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge
By Tom Gott
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou believes a deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is highly unlikely heading into the final day of the January transfer window.
Spurs chased Gallagher during the summer but refused to meet Chelsea's asking price of £50m and it has been the same story this winter, with Postecoglou's side tracking developments all month but declining to lodge such a bid.
After Tottenham's 3-2 win over Brentford on Wednesday, Postecoglou insisted fans should not expect much from their side on the final day of the transfer window.
"As I said yesterday, unlikely, and I guess less likely than yesterday," Postecoglou conceded.
Gallagher is keen to remain at Chelsea, where he has been a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino, as he hopes to earn himself a spot in England's squad for this summer's European Championship.
Chelsea are not actively encouraging offers for Gallagher but, with the 23-year-old now in the final 18 months of his contract, they are open to parting ways with the midfielder for the right fee.
The Blues' asking price is understood to be higher this month, asking teams to pay an initial £45m and commit to at least another £10m in instalments. Spurs were looking to pay £35m and have not advanced their interest since learning of Chelsea's demands.
Spurs have been linked with the likes of Atalanta's Ederson as an alternative to Gallagher, but Postecoglou appears set to work with his current crop of players for the remainder of the season.