Tottenham to rival Manchester United for two top targets as Frank makes transfer demand

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Tottenham are ramping up their pursuit of midfielders this month and are ready to join the race for Conor Gallagher and Carlos Baleba. The Atletico Madrid and Brighton men respectively are also known targets of Manchester United, and Tottenham will face competition for their signatures.

Boss Thomas Frank has reportedly made his desire to add a dynamic midfielder this month known to the Tottenham hierarchy. TeamTalk has reported that Gallagher and Baleba are two names atop the Tottenham list, with a loan for the former the most feasible in January.

Tottenham are in search of a box-to-box midfielder capable of progressive carries and pressing high up the pitch. Former Chelsea and Crystal Palace man Gallagher is known for his tireless work rate and box-to-box runs and is reportedly keen on a return to England.

Gallagher has struggled to break into Diego Simeone’s plans at Atletico, and is available this month as he seeks first team minutes ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Manchester United are also known admirers of the player although no concrete interest has been submitted as of yet.

A loan move for Gallagher has been tentatively discussed between the two clubs, but will depend on Atletico’s willingness to subsidise the player’s wages. A permanent deal remains possible as well.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is another name under consideration by Tottenham. The 22-year-old has drawn comparisons to former Tottenham man Mousa Dembele for his ball carrying ability and defensive tenacity.

The Cameroon star is valued between £80-87m, making a January move unlikely. Manchester United have also been linked to Baleba as well as Liverpool.

Tottenham are known to be on the market for another marquee signing under new boss Thomas Frank. Spurs signed Mohammed Kudus this summer but missed out on deals for Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Spurs have been linked with midfielders and forwards as they seek to improve their record in front of goal. Man City wingers Savinho and Omar Marmoush are known to be on Tottenham’s shortlist as well as Monaco forward Magnes Akliouche and Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.