Tottenham Hotspur

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Conor Gallagher says his decision to join Tottenham proved "very easy" and the midfielder has been hailed as a player of "huge experience" by Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

On the completion of a £35m switch from Atletico Madrid, Gallagher, 25, said: "I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club. I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.

"I know how great the fans are, I'm really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together."

Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher made 77 appearances for Atletico, having joined in August 2024.

His arrival comes as Frank faces pressure, with Spurs sitting 14th in the Premier League and on a winless run of four matches in all competitions.

"Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad," said Frank.

"He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.

"Conor has captained teams, so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.

"I'm excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team."

Fan group Change for Tottenham have a protest planned, external before Saturday's game against West Ham, citing frustrations with the club's hierarchy over transfer strategy, ticket pricing and a lack of clarity around the director of football role. So how key is this signing? And what do Spurs need to do next? Tell us here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

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As the halfway point of the transfer window approaches, Tottenham's troubles in attack have come under the microscope. Just one win in six Premier League games sees the north London side 14th in the table, with pressure mounting on head coach Thomas Frank.

Frank's cautious approach has come in for criticism and while the arrival of England international Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid will bring proven top-flight pedigree in midfield, the jury is out on whether his attributes are likely to inspire a charge up the table.

This season, Gallagher has scored more goals, taken more shots and completed more passes per 90 minutes than Frank's current midfield options Rodrigo Bentancur, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Xavi Simons, Pape Matar Sarr or Archie Gray.

The ex-Chelsea man's passing accuracy is the best too, but barely one-fifth of his passes are played forward – the lowest percentage among those mentioned. He also ranks below all of those, bar Gray, for carrying the ball over distance and is yet to register an assist this campaign.

With a middling record in terms of through balls and chances created, Spurs fans might rightly ask if the 25-year-old, who has cost £35m, offers enough of a difference from the likes of Sarr or the on-loan Palhinha.

But with a point to prove before Thomas Tuchel names his England World Cup squad, a fired-up Gallagher could still prove a useful asset for the under-fire Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur are blocking all enquiries for forward Mathys Tel, despite loan interest from Paris FC. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Tottenham defender Cristian Romero should have been sent off at Brentford for bringing down Igor Thiago, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel has said.

Thiago ran on to a ball over the top in the 56th minute of the 0-0 draw on 1 January, with Romero making a wild swipe to try to intercept. Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue at the Gtech.

Romero made no contact on the ball and brought down the Brentford striker. The video assistant referee (VAR), Alex Chilowicz, felt there was no clear and obvious error in not giving the foul.

It was a split 3-2 vote of the KMI Panel, both on the on-field decision not to show a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO) and the potential VAR intervention.

The KMI Panel said Romero "brings down Thiago, who has a high likelihood of gaining control of the ball, travelling towards goal, with no covering defenders".

It was also felt Madley should have given a spot-kick (3-2) for Kevin Schade's challenge on Archie Gray, but it did not reach the threshold for VAR (3-2).

Romero could also have been sent off for a serious foul play challenge on Thiago when the teams met in December. The KMI Panel voted 3-2 that it should have been a red card, but 4-1 that the VAR was right not to intervene.

Brentford suffered two VAR errors of the 13 logged in the first half of the season. The second was a penalty not awarded in the home victory over Newcastle.

The Bees also gained from a mistake when Nathan Collins was not sent off against Manchester United for a DOGSO foul on Bryan Mbeumo.

Tottenham have not been involved in any other VAR errors.

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

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It might be time to put Thomas Frank, and therefore everyone else at Spurs, out of their misery.

I have been desperate for it to work with Frank, not least because I am so bored of this endless cycle of replacing managers without changing anything else behind the scenes to support them.

I know much of the fanbase has been calling for him to be sacked for a while now, but I had been prepared to endure a season of change under Frank, fully aware that it would take time and might not initially be fun to watch.

However, even taking our significant injury list into consideration, Frank has failed to convince an increasingly impatient, unforgiving and vocal audience that he has a clear plan and intended identity for his team.

Tellingly, Frank himself appears utterly dejected by the whole experience. He looks exhausted and emotionally drained, and sounds increasingly monotonous in his interviews.

It feels inevitable that eventually this situation will become so toxic – if it has not already – that the board will be forced to part ways with yet another manager.

The most frustrating part for me is that I am confident Frank will succeed wherever he goes next. I do not think he is a bad coach. He is simply struggling to thrive at Spurs – and, worryingly, he is not the first.

Which brings us to question of who is likely to be next? Who would even want this poisoned chalice of a job?

Even if we can lure a strong candidate to agree to the role, what else will change to ensure it is any different for them?

The painful truth is that so much more than a change of manager is needed at Spurs. Let's hope we see it.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has had surgery on his right hamstring and is set to be out at least three months.

The Uruguay international, 28, suffered the injury in Spurs' 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League.

He is set to start his rehabilitation immediately with Tottenham's medical staff.

With Bentancur set to miss the majority of the rest of the season, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will enter the transfer market to bolster their midfield options.

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We asked for your views on Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is expected to be Tottenham's next signing for £35m.

Here are some of your comments:

Johna: Gallagher is a decent, hard-working midfielder, but unfortunately he will not add anything that we have not already got in central midfield. He is all action, like Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha. We need someone who can control the game and slow it down a bit and make the correct pass.

Jim: Gallagher is better than any of our other current midfielders. He will give us more bite and with Xavi Simons and Palhinha we have three players with good strengths. We need to see more of Xavi breaking through the lines as he did in the second half on Saturday. Gallagher could be the right signing to support and cover those runs.

Stan: An established England international, who wants to shine to cement his place in the World Cup squad; one who knows that you're supposed to pass the ball towards the opposition goalie not your own; and at a reasonable price. What's not to like?

Doug: He is 100% what we need. He's Thomas Frank's sort of player as he's attacking minded and a grafter. He works hard for the team and he will add a much needed energy and attacking flair to our play. He's not afraid to run at players, giving us a more direct style of play rather than the sideways or backwards play we do now.

John: Definitely a good signing. I think he will fit in really well. He will take the pressure off Archie Gray and with Sarr back soon, I think midfield is sorted. We desperately need a new winger still.

Tom: I think Gallagher has shown himself to be quietly useful. He could easily become a James Milner or Jordan Henderson in terms of his midfield contributions - we need and have lacked a calm presence in there for years. He's no blockbuster, but in his position, you don't necessarily need one. You want a metronome - steady, constant, reassuring - and he could be that if we use him and treat him right. Am I blown away by it? No. Do I like it? Yes.

Peter: People forget so quickly that Gallagher was pretty much the highlight at Chelsea in his final year. I couldn't believe that he was sold for PSR. I also couldn't believe that we didn't snap him up - a proven midfielder who was (and even more so now) an upgrade for us. He's an out-and-out bargain. If only Ivan Toney could be had on the cheap as well!

Tottenham expect to complete a £35m deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher after moving ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the England international's signature.

Gallagher has not yet agreed personal terms with Spurs, but that is understood to be a formality.

Spurs are looking to add to their midfield options after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for at least three months.

Will Gallagher be a good addition to the squad? Or do you think there were better options out there for that price?

Get in touch with your views here

Tottenham along with Manchester United and Newcastle United are all monitoring 22-year-old centre back Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo. (CaughtOffside), external

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Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

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Why Spurs wore a different kit without the players' names on the back for their FA Cup match against Aston Villa at the weekend has been subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Tottenham' form.

As part of a campaign launched by the club on Friday, Tottenham wore kits inspired by the historic 1901 FA Cup-winning team.

April will mark 125 years since Spurs became the first - and still only - non-league side to win football's oldest cup competition.

The club want to commemorate the historic achievement between now and that date and - alongside activities, including tours of local schools and educational content - they launched a limited edition shirt that was worn by the players in Saturday's third-round defeat.

In the announcement, Spurs said: "The special edition shirt features a heritage crest which, along with our sponsor logos, will appear in Lilywhite, and no player surnames feature on the back, with only the shirt number visible."

The style, without the names and with a different badge, is a nod to the kit that would have been worn by the team 125 years ago.

You can read more about the campaign here

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's FA Cup game between Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Tottenham fans

Jez: Another dreadful performance. Improved in the second half but too many players want too much time on the ball. We need to move forward more quickly and be more incisive. We pose no threat.

Tristen: Another 40% performance. Offered nothing for 50 minutes. A disgrace. Thomas Frank's tactics are boring and predictable. Up until the 50th minute they were abysmal and then the team seemed to take it upon themselves to step up and play with more flair, effort and fluency.

Kevin: Another mixed performance. Consistency is needed but we just don't have the players. It's too easy to keep blaming managers. No one will make progress unless the team is strengthened.

Anthony: I think it's about time we stop complaining about the manager and look more closely at the team. They woke up in the second half. They need to play for the full match and not sleepwalk for parts. There's a reluctance to receive the ball from throw ins and generally the ball finishes up with the opposition. Come on lads, earn your pay.

Aston Villa fans

Mike: Another well executed plan from Emery which would not be possible without a total team commitment. For anyone who hasn't seen a live Villa game this season then this slick display will have shown exactly why their third-place position is no fluke.

Magnus: A comfortable win against a club that appears to be falling apart. As usual, Emery spotted the tactical changes they made at half time, sent on a couple of subs to nullify them and probably felt that we should have won by more.

Mark: Wow! Superb away performance first-half. Refused to be bullied in the second-half and regained composure again despite some nasty stuff from Spurs.

Ian: Terrific cup win. We totally dominated the first half and scored two excellent goals. We took our foot of the gas a little in the second half, but defended well in the end for a deserved win. Delighted Unai Emery put out a strong side in a cup competition we can win!

Tottenham remain interested in a move for Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, despite Aston Villa being favourites to sign the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Spurs' sporting director Fabio Paratici is set to leave the club for Serie A side Fiorentina after the January transfer window. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Paris FC are among the clubs keen on signing French winger Mathys Tel on loan this month, but Tottenham want the 20-year-old to stay. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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Pundits Dion Dublin and Rob Green join host Jason Mohammad to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest

• Preston North End 0-1 Wigan

• Macclesfield Town 2-1 Crystal Palace

• Everton 1-1 (0-3 pens) Sunderland

• Wolves 6-1 Shrewsbury Town

• Fulham 3-1 Middlesbrough

• Manchester City 10-1 Exeter City

• Newcastle 3-3 (7-6 pens) Bournemouth

• Stoke City 1-0 Coventry City

• Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

• Bristol City 5-1 Watford

• Cambridge United 2-3 Birmingham City

• Charlton 1-5 Chelsea

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank speaking after the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa: "Our second-half was exactly how we wanted it to be. Energy, intensity, tempo, playing forward and the fans pushed us on. We got a goal and had chances for a second one.

"Unfortunately, we didn't get it and in the end, it wasn't enough. If we had played two halves like that, we would have won the game."

On Spurs fans booing the team at half time: "Of course, I understand the frustration. Understandable, but I also think what was very nice to see in the second half was how unified the team and the fans were together. They fed off each other's energy. How we played and went forward - that's what we need to build going forward.

"In the second-half, the passion, character and intensity that we played with, that's what we need to bring every game and every 90 minutes.

"It was exactly the opposite against Sunderland. We started fantastically in the first half but couldn't keep up in the second half. If we can put two halves like that together, then it would look much better."

On whether Richarlison has sustained a hamstring injury: "Yeah, it looks like that. We don't know yet of course.

"It's a bigger question for the football authorities. We have had a very tight schedule with five games in 13 days. Four [games] in 10 days for the third time this season. That's something we need to look into. Two off days in between games is a very short turnaround. It's not just us, but there are a lot of clubs who are dealing with that."

Did you know?

• Tottenham have failed to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2013-14 (eliminated in the third round by Arsenal) having done so in each of the previous 11 seasons.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Spurs left the pitch at half-time to deafening jeers from their supporters as, for all their endeavours, they were overpowered and outclassed by a vastly superior Aston Villa side.

The atmosphere had the potential to turn increasingly toxic given the mood around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - but Frank's side at least offered some encouragement by increasing the tempo and troubling Villa after the break.

In the end, however, the manner in which they were brushed aside by Villa in the opening phase meant there was no way back as Spurs, and Thomas Frank, suffered yet another damaging loss.

The game ended in chaos as both sides were involved in a bust-up and had to be separated.

But when the dust settles, Spurs will reflect on a disappointing early FA Cup exit - their first at this stage since losing to Arsenal in the 2013-14 campaign - that only increases scrutiny on the struggling Frank.

As well as poor results, the Dane has enjoyed little luck. His hopes of getting Spurs' season back on track suffered a blow when Brazil striker Richarlison suffered a hamstring injury in a race for possession with Ezri Konsa.

The second period was better - and a welcome return to action for Dominic Solanke after a five-month absence - but Spurs were dreadful in the opening half.

This was another day of suffering for Frank and the supporters who appear to have little faith in their head coach to revive their fortunes.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Aston Villa's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies