Manchester United are leading the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher in January, according to Spanish publication Fichajes.
The Old Trafford side could reportedly reignite their interest in the England international at the turn of the year, having held late talks to bring Gallagher on loan during the closing stages of the summer transfer window.
United are expected to continue monitoring Gallagher’s situation in the Spanish capital, with the 25-year-old struggling for regular minutes under Diego Simeone at the start of the season.
After starting in Atletico’s 2-1 loss to Espanyol on the opening weekend, Gallagher was dropped to the bench for the next two La Liga fixtures, making cameos in the 1-1 draws with Elche and Alaves.
United eyed Gallagher as a late alternative to Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, whose reported £120m valuation put the Red Devils off pursuing a move.
Man United Eyeing January Deal for Gallagher
Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher in action
According to Fichajes, Gallagher would be open to returning to England after spending over a season in Spain, and feels he still has a lot to prove in the Premier League.
The Englishman’s attributes reportedly fit perfectly with what Ruben Amorim is looking for in a midfielder, as Gallagher is capable of providing intensity, physicality and posing a threat going forward.
While Atletico consider Gallagher a valuable member of the first-team squad, Los Colchoneros would reportedly not be against his departure in 2026.
United are said to be discussing both a permanent or loan move for the £200,000-a-week midfielder and are believed to be the leading candidates to secure his services next year.
United’s first summer with Amorim in charge saw them spend heavily on upgrading their attacking options, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko joining.
Permanent exits were secured for Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund departed on season-long loans.
United also welcomed promising Paraguayan left-back Diego Leon and completed a deadline-day move for Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper became the final arrival of a busy transfer window and looks set to compete for a starting spot in goal with Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
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