Chelsea favourite is ‘most feasible’ January signing for Man Utd

Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher is the most feasible reinforcement for Manchester United in January, according to a report.

The England international is worried about his place in Thomas Tuchel’s side as he has failed to nail down a regular starting spot at Atletico Madrid since joining from Chelsea in 2024.

Although Diego Simeone likes Gallagher’s energy and aggression, he only rarely affords him starts in LaLiga, which the 25-year-old feels is jeopardising his World Cup chances.

In the summer, Man Utd showed late interest in the former Chelsea fan favourite, and this was surely encouraged by Gallagher and his camp. However, the Red Devils were planning to sign him on an initial loan, which Atleti had no intention of sanctioning.

Heading into January, the situation appears to have turned in Gallagher’s favour. Atleti will not stand in his way if he expresses a desire to leave, and they may even be open to letting him depart on loan.

Gallagher to Man Utd possible

Speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, journalist Ben Jacob revealed that, out of all of Man Utd’s midfield targets, Gallagher will be the easiest to get in January.

“Gallagher is probably the most likely because he is the most feasible, and anyone else they might have to either overpay for or have the player really agitate for the move,” Jacobs said before confirming that winter deals for Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are unlikely.

“With Gallagher, the difference [compared to Baleba and Wharton] is twofold. First of all, the player wants to leave LaLiga and ideally return to the Premier League and do so also to play every week and try and force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

“And the second point in all of this is Atletico Madrid have never been against a permanent exit, but in the summer, they were not in favour of a loan, even with an option to buy.

“So, Man Utd will hope – and I do think they will be one of Gallagher’s suitors – that Atleti soften their position, become open to a loan with an option or maybe even an obligation to buy.

“Or, from Atleti’s point of view, they will feel Man Utd might just find the budget to buy Gallagher permanently, and they may stick to that position. And if Man Utd move, they may realise they can get the player, but they are going to have to put their hand in their back pocket.

“So, a lot will also depend on if by January Man Utd are on course for European football and do they feel they can take the risk of forking out something in the region of £40 million, €45m [€51m] to get Gallagher, because if Atleti sell they also won’t want to make a book loss from the price that they paid Chelsea.”

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