Tottenham transfer questions as Conor Gallagher and James Garner wanted from Chelsea and Everton
Paul Robinson doubts that James Garner is a better option for Tottenham to pursue than Conor Gallagher.
Spurs wanted the Chelsea academy product in the January transfer window having previously been willing to pay £35million last summer [Guardian, 30 January], but the Everton man has since emerged as a possible alternative [TEAMtalk, 18 February].
Robinson has long expressed doubt that a deal between Stamford Bridge and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be possible, but given the choice between the two young midfielders would opt for Gallagher.
In his view Ange Postecoglou needs summer signings that can go straight into the starting line up, and believes the 24-year-old Mauricio Pochettino favourite is the more likely in that regard.
The ex-England and Spurs keeper exclusively told Tottenham News: “I think where Tottenham are at the moment they need to sign players not to bolster the squad but to make the starting XI better.
“I would question whether he [Garner] does that. I would question whether he’s the same level as Conor Gallagher.
“I think Conor Gallagher has still got a lot of development to do, but his attitude and his application is outstanding. The final product still needs work and there is still potential there.
“But the same with Garner.”
Conor Gallagher a better option for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham than James Garner
Both English midfielders are becoming increasingly crucial for their respective sides, but each of their managers could lose them anyway thanks to forces outside of their control.
Neither Gallagher nor Pochettino seem to want a transfer, but the Chelsea hierarchy are in search of the pure profit that would come from selling a homegrown player.
Similarly Sean Dyche won’t want to see any regulars leave to weaken his options but will know his club has their own financial problems that may dictate exits.
The Toffees man would likely be the cheaper of the two but Postecoglou would need to be certain of improving his strong midfield rotation if significant money was to be spent on either.
In other Tottenham news, Robinson is extremely worried about what Liverpool might do to weaken Spurs.
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