Tottenham transfer notebook: Gallagher conditions, Jota hope & centre-back search

Tottenham Hotspur are mapping out their plans for the January transfer window with their thin squad reduced to the bare bones in recent times.

Spurs' fast start to the season was derailed by a string of major injuries to key players, while they are set to lose more starters to international duty next month.

Here is an overview of Tottenham's hopes and aims for the window ahead.

Tottenham explored the signing of Conor Gallagher during the summer window when Chelsea were open to a sale. However, Spurs' inability to shift other players — such as midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg — meant they could not raise the necessary funds to complete a deal.

understands while Tottenham's interest in Gallagher remains, the sale of a player like Hojbjerg would have to go through first, not least because they are hoping to strengthen in other areas first. Ange Postecoglou is also happy to hold onto the Dane until the end of the season.

Chelsea could sell Gallagher this month if a bid in the region of £50m comes in. Contract talks have not advanced recently — his current deal is up in 2025 — but the England international would prefer to stay at Stamford Bride and Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to keep hold of him.

Gallagher has been one of Chelsea's better performers so far this season and has captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Jota previously worked under Postecoglou at Celtic and a reunion in north London is on the cards.

Sources have confirmed to that Tottenham are confident of finding an agreement with Al Ittihad to take the winger on an initial loan with a purchase clause.

The 24-year-old was left out of Al Ittihad's squad for this season's Saudi Pro League but has been used in their Asian Champions League