Midfielder from Spanish giants on shortlist for Manchester United

Manchester United are set to go back into the transfer market in January, in search of a midfielder that could progress their game under Ruben Amorim. It was a position they were keen to improve in the summer, but could not get the deal they wanted over the line.

One of the names frequently linked with a move over the summer was Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, and Manchester United were cited as a potential destination. The message has been communicated through the local press that while Diego Simeone values Gallagher as a player, Atletico would be open to a sale for the right price.

Gallagher on Manchester United shortlist for January

According to TalkSport, Gallagher remains on Manchester United’s shortlist for a move this season. A late loan approach was turned down by Atleti during the summer, as they were only interested in a permanent sale, but due to the fact that Los Colchoneros may be willing to do business, Gallagher is open to a return to the Premier League, and he is hoping to make a case to get into the England World Cup squad, a move could make sense this winter.

🚨🇺🇸 Johnny Cardoso is still NOT training with the team.@marca pic.twitter.com/d3NgXvXI8q

— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) October 23, 2025

Gallagher has played often this season, but has yet to complete 90 minutes, and at no point has he been a guaranteed starter. Since moving to Madrid 18 months ago, he has fallen out of the England squad as a result. Atletico are said to want a fee of around €40m.

Manchester United also interested in Real Madrid target

The Atletico Madrid midfielder is one of six named, alongside Andrey Santos, Angelo Stiller, Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton. Incidentally, the latter is also of interest to Real Madrid, who looked at Wharton as one of the better options on the market to strengthen the midfield, had a major sale taken place last summer.