TBR Football understands that a number of Premier League clubs have indicated to Atletico Madrid that they want to be kept informed about Conor Gallagher’s situation ahead of the January window.
Conor Gallagher was a target for the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle towards the end of the summer window but the situation was too complex to get any sort of deal over the line.
The England midfielder is happy with life in the Spanish capital, but sources have confirmed to TBR Football that he is growing frustrated with his situation within the club.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
The summer addition of Johnny Cardoso has seen him pushing further down the pecking order, which has already seen Gallagher drop behind the likes of Koke and Pablo Barrios in La Liga.
And despite starting against Liverpool, lack of game time that Gallagher is already bearing witness to this season is also impacting on his World Cup ambitions.
Conor Gallagher reacts during Atletico Madrid v Elche in La Liga
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images
Exclusive: Conor Gallagher has Premier League options in January
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal a host of clubs are paying close attention to the situation, and Gallagher is becoming increasingly aware that he will have options come January.
Sources confirm that Man United and Newcastle retain an interest in Gallagher, but they are not alone with Tottenham, Everton and his former club Crystal Palace also keen.
Bailey exclusively told TBR Football: “As with many players at this moment in time, the World Cup is an added complication or worry.
“Gallagher is one of those players, who if playing regularly, at his best, would be firmly in contention for his national side – so that issue can’t be overlooked.
“I am told the player would dearly like to make it back into the Atletico Madrid side and that is his priority, but clubs are paying real interest to him and he is very much one to keep an eye on for January.”
Conor Gallagher’s limited game time for Atletico Madrid
In contrast to his heroics over the last campaign, Gallagher has played just 99 minutes in La Liga so far this season, failing to score a goal or record an assist.
During 2024-25, he made 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and picking up six assists, and became undroppable under Diego Simeone.
Simeone had heaped praise on Gallagher in April, singling out his ability to adapt to the Spanish top-flight.
“When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well,” Simeone said.
“It’s never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language … He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn’t feel more comfortable.
“He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us.”
Gallagher made the move to Atletico in August 2024 after he departed his boyhood club, Chelsea.