Man United ready January offer on ‘unwanted’ Atletico Madrid star

Atletico Madrid are reportedly open to a key sale in the January transfer window with Conor Gallagher tipped to leave.

Gallagher landed at Atletico Madrid last summer as part of a big-money move from Premier League side Chelsea, but he struggled to hold down a regular starting spot during his first season at the Estadio Metropolitano.

The situation has changed little at the start of 2025/26 on the back of summer moves for Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada and Alexa Baena in a midfield rebuild.

Gallagher was handed a shock start in the 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield before being replaced on the hour mark but he’s started just two of seven league games.

His uncertain picture in Madrid has led to speculation over the 25-year-old wanting a Premier League return as quickly as the start of 2026 with former club Crystal Palace reportedly keen on re-signing him.

As per previous reports from TBR Football, Manchester United could also make an offer, but domestic rivals Tottenham and Newcastle United are ahead of them in the pecking order.

United are also uncertain over what to do about Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese coach enduring a miserable start to the campaign and Old Trafford, but Gallagher remains on their radar.

The England international is a player United could push for, regardless of who their manager, as he offers Premier League and Champions League experience.

Reports from the Daily Mirror claim an offer will be tabled in January but the clubs are some distance apart in their valuations.

Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be pushing for around £50m, which would be around £15m n profit from what they pad Chelsea for him just over 12 months’ ago.

Los Rojiblancos could lower that asking price to around £40m as the club look to balance the books after a big spending summer in Madrid.