Tottenham have expressed interest in signing Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay instead of Chelsea's Conor Gallagher, according to reports.
Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new season but Spurs are struggling to make progress on a deal for long-term target Gallagher.
The 24-year-old, who featured for England at Euro 2024, was expected to leave his boyhood club Chelsea this summer, with Aston Villa also reportedly interested in securing his signature.
But The Sun say it is looking increasingly likely that Gallagher will remain at Stamford Bridge and see out his contract, leaving Tottenham to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
It is also claimed that Spurs have identified Manchester United's McTominay as a surprise target as they look to build on Postecoglou's promising first season in north London.
McTominay, who was also at Euro 2024 until Scotland's group-stage exit, has made more than 250 appearances for United since breaking into the first team in 2017.
Erik ten Hag values McTominay highly and is reluctant to lose the 27-year-old, but Manchester United are said to be open to selling as they prepare for another busy and expensive summer.
United have already signed Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkee from Bologna and are set to spend more than £50m on highly-rated French defender Leny Yoro.
McTominay was the subject of a failed bid from Fulham earlier in the summer, while West Ham continue to be linked with the Scot after former Hammers boss David Moyes failed to sign him 12 months ago.
European giants Galatasaray have also confirmed their interest in taking McTominay to Turkey, though the midfielder's preference is to stay in the Premier League.
McTominay ideally wants to stay put but will not be short of potential suitors if Manchester United make it clear that he will be sold this summer.
Ex-Scotland winger Pat Nevin believes his compatriot should leave Old Trafford and became a focal point in another team rather than someone who needs to fight for a place in United's starting line-up.
'I'm sure he'd love to stay at United but maybe he could do with playing at another team that plays him in the right position,' Nevin said before the start of Euro 2024.
'I don't think United played him in his right position for a long, long time and then Steve Clarke played him there and he went on a run of scoring goals.
'It's tough at United, though, they've got so many great players - people like Bruno Fernandes - but if he can play in that more advanced role that gives him a few more chances at goal, that's where he's most dangerous.
'I don't think McTominay has to worry about his contract next year at Manchester United off the back of the Euros - there are a hell of lot of teams out there that would take him.
'You can imagine him playing at a team like Everton - he could be such a core member of that team. There are plenty of teams throughout the Premier League that would love McTominay, so he doesn't need to worry.'
Comments