Tottenham step up midfield hunt after Rodrigo Bentancur surgery blow

Bentancur, 28, has been a regular starter in Thomas Frank's ever-changing midfield this season. Very little seems to go right for the struggling Spurs boss right now and against Bournemouth last week, Bentancur picked up a hamstring issue late in the contest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have now determined the injury's severity and it's worst-case scenario.

Taking to X, Romano stated Bentancur will now undergo surgery to repair the problem, thus ruling him out for roughly three months.

"Rodrigo Bentancur will be out for three months as he needs surgery, back before the end of the season," stated the reporter.

Losing the Uruguayan is a big blow for Frank and Spurs, and according to Romano, the club will now accelerate plans to sign a new central midfielder.

He continued: "Tottenham now to explore midfielders market in January."

Romano did not name names, though TEAMtalk was informed of one player Spurs set their sights on over the past 48 hours and in the wake of Bentancur suffering his hamstring injury.

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, exclusively told us on Sunday that Tottenham are exploring a move for Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.

The all-action midfielder has been on Spurs' radar dating back to Ange Postecoglou's time in charge, and he remains a key target in the present too.

Atleti are willing to offload Gallagher this month if their demands are met. They want a permanent sale, not a loan, and Aston Villa at the behest of Unai Emery thundered into the race last week.

But according to Jones, Tottenham are well aware it's now or never for Gallagher amid Villa ramping up their own pursuit, and Bentancur's lay-off will only serve to increase their desire to sign the 25-year-old.

Atleti signed Gallagher for £34m in 2024. The LaLiga side are looking to roughly break even when cashing in. 

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