Manchester United contacts Gallagher’s agent, but loan hopes are on the verge of collapse! Winter transfer requires £40 million

Manchester United wants to bring in players during the winter transfer window, yet even the player considered the most probable signing — Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid — might not be able to join. The Red Devils have reportedly contacted his agent, but the likelihood of the transfer has decreased.

Well-known transfer reporter Ben Jacobs mentioned that acquiring Gallagher would be Manchester United’s most feasible choice. United’s interest in the English player dates back to this summer when Ruben Amorim wanted to loan this Atlético Madrid backup, but the deal fell through as Atlético refused to loan him out.

Jacobs reported that Manchester United might reconsider a loan deal in January to see if Atlético’s stance softens, and the club has once again reached out to Gallagher’s agent.

An insider familiar with the transfer situation claimed that Gallagher’s agent has spoken with Manchester United, with the club expressing strong desire to sign him, and Gallagher himself wanting to move to United. The source said, “Gallagher’s agent has already talked to Manchester United, and they are very interested. If the transfer happens, the player will be very happy.”

Gallagher possesses elite running ability, tactical discipline, and consistent end-product output. His most productive season was the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, scoring 8 goals in 34 Premier League games. The 2023/24 season marked the peak of his Chelsea career, netting 7 goals.

Gallagher’s versatility further enhances his value; he has played as a number 6, 8, and 10, and can even operate as a wide midfielder. However, the main obstacle to his transfer remains Atlético Madrid, who are unwilling to loan him out unless Manchester United or another club offers at least €40 million, at which point the La Liga club would consider negotiations.

Gallagher himself has been reserved about the transfer, telling AS: “Leaving Atlético in January, I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atlético, and I want to play a bigger role in the team. Of course, I’m not satisfied with not starting regularly, but whenever I get the chance, I give my all. I want to fight hard to earn more playing time and help the team. Hopefully, I will get more starts.”

The England international has only played 339 league minutes this season under Diego Simeone, starting just twice and coming off the bench 10 times. Moreover, Gallagher has not started for Atlético in nearly two months and admits he wants a more significant role in the team.

Currently, Atlético Madrid sit fourth in La Liga, six points behind leaders Real Madrid, making both the title hopes and Gallagher’s chances of being a regular starter equally slim.

Gallagher’s situation mirrors that of Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga and Marcel Sabitzer, neither of whom are favored by Amorim, but the Portuguese coach still hopes they remain at the club through the winter window for the team’s benefit.

This does not stop transfer rumors about the two from intensifying. According to Italy’s Corriere dello Sport, Sabitzer has explicitly expressed his desire to move to Roma. Reportedly, Roma has promised Sabitzer a starting forward role, and Gasperini is known in Serie A for developing young attackers. Sabitzer needs to be a starter before the World Cup to regain confidence and have a chance to be selected for the Netherlands national team.

Another Manchester United target for the winter window, João Gomes, also faces transfer obstacles. The 24-year-old Brazilian international dreams of joining United and knows Amorim might not pick him next summer. However, Wolves insist he stays until the end of the season unless Manchester United makes an irresistible offer, reportedly above £44 million.