Tottenham are exploring the market for a midfielder after discovering Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to miss most of the season with a hamstring injury - but have been told they cannot sign Conor Gallagher on loan without a clear obligation to buy.

The Uruguay international is likely to face surgery on an injury he sustained in last week's 3-2 Premier League loss at Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old's absence leaves Spurs very short in central midfield, with Lucas Bergvall also currently injured, and there is no timeframe on his return yet.

James Maddison ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season and Dejan Kulusevski is another long-term absentee with a knee injury, which he suffered in April. 

Manager Thomas Frank said last week that the club should know in three to four weeks when Kulusevski will be fit to return.  

Spurs have asked Atletico Madrid about the possibility of bringing in Gallagher - but the Spanish club have said a straight loan deal is not on the table. They are only willing to consider a permanent move - or a loan deal with a clear obligation to buy.

Games are coming thick and fast for Spurs, who face midweek matches in three of the next four weeks in addition to a fixture each weekend.

They are back in action against West Ham United on Saturday in the Premier League before travelling to Dortmund for a Champions League clash a week on Tuesday.