Tottenham have identified Douglas Luiz and Conor Gallagher as midfield targets to replace Pierre-Emile Hojberg.
Denmark midfielder Hojbjerg is a priority target for Atletico Madrid, with talks over a potential transfer ongoing.
Spurs have so far resisted Atletico’s advances but there is understood to be a willingness from the Premier League club to sell their lynchpin for the right price.
There have been positive developments with regards to both clubs agreeing a fee in recent days, but progress has been described as ‘slow’. Pertinently, Hojbjerg wants the opportunity to discuss a move to Atletico.
Nevertheless, Spurs have already started the process of identifying targets for Hojbjerg, with the expectancy that the 27-year-old will move to Madrid in the coming weeks.
Aston Villa midfielder Luiz is among the players interesting Tottenham should Hojbjerg depart.
The Brazil international was a regular for Villa last season, making 40 appearances for the Midlands club. It remains to be seen whether Villa boss Unai Emery would be open to selling the 25-year-old.
Similarly, Gallagher has also emerged as a candidate to replace Hojbjerg in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield.
Tottenham boss Postecoglou is an admirer of the Gallagher’s energetic approach and believes he would fit in well to his plans.
However, Chelsea are short of midfield options at the moment following the departures of Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and Jorginho in recent months.
As things stand Chelsea would be reluctant to sell Gallagher, though that could change if they can land No 1 midfield target Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
Sources have also indicated that there are emerging concerns at Chelsea that they are strengthen their direct rivals to frequently after selling Mount to Manchester United and Kovacic to Manchester City this summer.
Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga is another that has admirers at Tottenham. But the fact Luiz and Gallagher and both have extensive Premier League experience is likely to be attractive to Tottenham if they enter the market for a central midfielder.
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