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Tottenham have made the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher official, bringing him back to the Premier League in a £35m move after hijacking Aston Villa’s move for the former Chelsea product, as the January transfer window heats up.
Gallagher isn’t the only England international on the transfer merry-go-round with Arsenal joining the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles skipper is said to prefer a move to the Gunners or Liverpool, but Manchester City are desperate to overcome any hurdles and secure his signature this month, while European heavyweights Bayern Munich have now also expressed an interest in the England centre-back.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also rumoured to have entered the race to sign Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, with one outlet even reporting they will offer Gabriel Martinelli in a swap deal, but Chelsea, who have reportedly made a huge bid for Federico Valverde, are also reportedly still interested in Vini Jr.
Manchester United have meanwhile confirmed the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager and now look to strengthen their squad before the window closes, with Carlos Baleba, Marcos Llorente and Elliot Anderson all rumoured as targets, although Man City are also said to be eyeing Nottingham Forest talisman Anderson.
And while United’s managerial picture looks clearer for the short-term, speculation remains frantic over the future of the Real Madrid dugout after Xabi Alonso’s shock exit, with the Spanish giants hoping to lure former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp back into coaching in what would be a spectacular move.
Follow all the latest transfer news, gossip, rumours and done deals in The Independent’s live blog below
January transfer window latest updatesChelsea hoping to flog David Datro Fofana this month
Chelsea and David Datro Fofana are working on a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge this window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Celtic, Royal Antwerp and Derby County have all expressed interest over potential deal for the striker, who has been sent out on four loans since joining the Blues in 2023.
Will Castle14 January 2026 17:15
Conor Bradley breaks silence after serious knee injury
Conor Bradley has confirmed that he has undergone surgery and is beginning his rehabilitation to recover from a serious knee injury suffered against Arsenal.
“A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now,” Bradley posted on Instagram.
“It won’t be for a little while but I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool and Northern Ireland. Thanks for all the support.”
Will Castle14 January 2026 17:00
Miguel Delaney answers your football questions
To see the questions and answers, click below – and don’t forget to press “load more” to catch the full Q&A.
Will Castle14 January 2026 16:45
Why Man United have turned back to Michael Carrick, the anti-Amorim
As a footballer, Michael Carrick had the ability to blend into the background, his unassuming nature giving him a lower profile than his ability merited. He may have taken that capacity for relative anonymity into his coaching career. If Carrick was the stealth candidate to take the reins at Manchester United for the rest of the season, with Darren Fletcher thrust into the spotlight immediately and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the romantic, nostalgic choice, a selection process may have been the triumph of the quiet man.
Carrick nevertheless interviewed well when he spoke to director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada last Thursday. It may not have harmed his cause that he can appear the anti-Amorim: less charismatic, less quotable, less explosive. Carrick brought a calmness in possession of the ball. That unflustered nature may serve him well for the pressurised task of leading United.
Richard Jolly14 January 2026 16:30
Thomas Frank: ‘Conor will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality’
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has discussed the qualities Conor Gallagher will bring to his side and is excited to work with the tireless midfielder.
Frank told the official Spurs website: “Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad.
“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.”
(Getty Images)
Luke Baker14 January 2026 16:23
Gallagher discusses Spurs move: ‘I want to create special moments
Conor Gallagher has given his first interview to the club since joining Spurs and stresses his desire to create “special moments” at Tottenham.
Gallagher told the official Spurs website: “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.”
Luke Baker14 January 2026 16:16
BREAKING: Tottenham announce signing of Conor Gallagher
Tottenham have announced that they have completed the deal to bring Conor Gallagher to the club “subject to international clearance”.
The deal is believed to be worth £34m, with the England international signing a a five-and-a-half-year deal.
Chris Wilson14 January 2026 16:11
Liam Rosenior plans talks with Chelsea outcasts
Liam Rosenior will speak to Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi before deciding whether or not they have a future at Chelsea.
“I haven’t [spoken with them yet],” Rosenior said. “To be honest I’ve had so much on. This is my fourth day in the job. I will have conversations with them.
“Raheem’s had an outstanding career. I’ve got huge respect for him and Axel, who was someone I’ve really, really liked for a long time. But in this moment, with the amount of games that we’ve got and the stuff I’ve had to do — not just in terms of training but with the staff — I haven’t got on to that topic. I will do it in the next few days.
“Honestly, I have to have a conversation with them. I have to have a conversation with the club. It’s been a whirlwind. There’s a lot for me to do and that’s near the top of my list.”
(PA Archive)
Will Castle14 January 2026 16:00
Lucas Paqueta wants out of West Ham
West Ham are reportedly desperate to keep Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium after The Athletic claimed the Hammers had rejected a bid for the midfielder.
Paqueta wants to return to Brazil and Fabrizio Romano reports that personal terms have been sorted with Flamengo but Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo will not countenance losing his playmaker as the club face an uphill battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
It comes after Paqueta reportedly asked to be left out of West Ham’s FA Cup tie with QPR last weekend to pursue a move away.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle14 January 2026 15:45
Everton keeper set for Cardiff medical
Everton goalkeeper Harry Tyrer is set to join League One Cardiff City, providing their transfer embargo is lifted, according to the Daily Mail.
The 24-year-old has had talks and is due to undergo a medical.
Will Castle14 January 2026 15:30