Manchester United face rivals Manchester City in their fourth game of the new Premier League season on September 14.
Ruben Amorim’s side defeated Burnley 3-2 last time out to earn their first win of the league season, having picked up just a single point from their first two games.
The Red Devils were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town last month, after a lengthy penalty shootout at Blundell Park.
This summer was a busy one for United, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo among those to have arrived at Old Trafford.
Now, it appears that the Manchester club are in pole position to land an England international in January.
As per Spanish outlet Fichajes via GiveMeSport, Manchester United are leading the race for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Gallagher has played more than 50 times for Atletico Madrid (Photo: PressInPhoto Sports Agency/Alamy)
The 25-year-old joined Atleti from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, ending a long spell with the West London club.
Gallagher was a product of Chelsea’s youth system and played 95 times for the club before departing for the Spanish capital last summer.
It is claimed that United made an attempt to sign the midfielder on loan late in the recent transfer window, and the club could revisit the move when the window reopens in January.
Gallagher himself is said to be open to the prospect of a return to England, with the player believing he has something to prove in the Premier League.
The England international is contracted to Atletico Madrid until the end of the 2028/29 season, but the report suggests that the La Liga giants would not necessarily prevent the player form departing the club next year.
United are said to be open to the idea of either a loan or permanent move for Gallagher, who is said to earn £200,000-per-week at present.