United have made it clear that strengthening the midfield is a priority in the upcoming periods of recruitment, having previously focused their attention on upgrading the attack and goalkeeper positions during the summer. ..Continue Reading
Ruben Amorim’s team briefly explored a late move for Gallagher near the close of the summer market, but were ultimately told the 25-year-old would not be leaving.
Even so, the Red Devils are expected to reignite their pursuit once the window opens again, with reports indicating the England international is looking for more consistent playing time as he aims to improve his chances of making the World Cup squad.
Gallagher joined Atletico for £34million in the summer of 2024 after falling out of favour under Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, yet he has made only three starts this campaign under Diego Simeone.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Spanish side are reluctant to sanction a loan move for Gallagher, but would be open to selling the midfielder for a reduced price.
On his YouTube channel, Romano explained: ‘I think there is a chance for Conor Gallagher to leave Atletico Madrid already in the January transfer window or eventually in the summer.
‘This will depend also on the formula of the deal. Manchester United were interested in Conor Gallagher as an opportunity in the final days of August but Atletico said no to a loan move and they don’t have that kind of intention.
‘I think if maybe a permanent transfer proposal arrives, that would be different. Maybe something around 30 million euros (£26m), sources say that this could be the way to get Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window.’
Romano also noted that additional English clubs, along with sides in Italy, are keeping close tabs on Gallagher’s situation as January approaches.
Speaking last month, the Atletico midfielder stated that he wants ‘more opportunities to be a starter’ while emphasising he is still ‘very happy’ at the club.
‘I’m not satisfied,’ Gallagher told AS. ‘I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like.
‘But I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter.
‘I’m very happy here,’ the 25-year-old added. ‘My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team.
‘And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.’
In other areas of midfield recruitment, United remain interested in Carlos Baleba after failing to secure the Brighton player during the summer, while they are also described as being ‘confident’ of finalising a deal for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Wolves’ Joao Gomes is another potential target, with reports indicating the Portuguese midfielder might be available for around £44m.
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