Manchester United are now considering a move for a "sensational" midfielder who is also being chased by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, having pulled out of the race for Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd eyeing midfielder after EFL Cup disaster
Since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, there have been some difficult moments for Man United, but being knocked out of the EFL Cup by Grimsby Town is without doubt a low point, with the League Two side progressing after winning on penalties.
In Ruben Amorim's post-match interview, the manager made it clear that the best side won on the night, despite an improved second-half performance, with Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire leading the fightback.
With Andre Onana making yet another error leading to a goal, following on from a key mistake from Altay Bayindir on the opening day against Arsenal, bringing in a new goalkeeper should undoubtedly be one of United's key objectives in the final days of the transfer window.
However, Amorim has also been keen to bring in a new central midfielder throughout the summer, with Baleba previously emerging as a major target, before the interest was ended, in light of Brighton's high asking price.
Now, Man United are in the race for another midfielder, according to a report from The Boot Room, which states they are considering a move for Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher, after deciding against pursuing Baleba.
A number of Premier League clubs are in the race for Gallagher, with Crystal Palace believed to be keen admirers, and it has been widely reported that Oliver Glasner's side have already made contact, as have Newcastle United.
Newcastle were said to be leading the race for the midfielder earlier this summer, with Howe well-known to have wanted him for years, but there are indications that United could now be willing to hijack the move.
"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid signing for Man Utd
In truth, the 25-year-old, who Atletico paid £33m for last summer, wouldn't be the flashiest of signings, but he has impressed Diego Simeone since arriving in Spain, with the manager saying: "He is a hard-working player who has quality and a good ability to arrive in the area from deep and who never fails to give everything in every ball."
juanlu-sanchez-sevilla
Sevilla's Juanlu Sanchez in action against Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher.
There are also indications the Atletico maestro could have the personality to succeed at Old Trafford, with reporter John Cross praising the central midfielder for his "sensational" attitude during his time with Chelsea.
That said, the former Crystal Palace man probably shouldn't be brought in as a direct alternative to Baleba, given that he has predominantly featured in a central or attacking midfield role throughout his career, while the Brighton star has a more defensive mindset.
Not only that, but Man United's number one priority before the transfer deadline should be to sign a new goalkeeper, after Onana made yet another blunder against Grimsby.