Manchester United have now received a clear-cut indication of how much they will need to pay to sign one former Premier League talent, according to reports in Spain.
The Red Devils reinforced in the summer with five new signings, but Manchester United failed in their priority to sign a midfielder before the window closed.
United were linked with several different midfielders, including Brighton ace Carlos Baleba, Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand and Atalanta star Ederson.
However, the Red Devils opted not to bring a new midfielder in amid the 2025-26 Premier League campaign and United have shown their vulnerabilities already.
Ruben Amorim has mainly relied on a midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in his system, which has left United exposed in the middle of the park.
Man Utd face transfer competition if they want to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in January 2026
Conor Gallagher was subject to Manchester United’s interest in the summer and the 25-year-old England midfielder has caught the eye of Crystal Palace as well.
The Three Lions international has been at Atletico Madrid since 2024 after the La Liga outfit signed him for a reported fee of around £34m from Chelsea.
Conor Gallagher had impressed during his spell at Chelsea and the England star had spent time on loan at Premier League side Crystal Palace in the 2021-22 season.
Sport Witness has now carried a report from Mundo Deportivo on Tuesday, with the Spanish newspaper claiming that United and Palace wanted Gallagher in the summer.
It is believed that the former Chelsea talent could struggle to secure his place in the Atletico Madrid XI under Diego Simeone and there is doubt around his future.
Mundo Deportivo claims that the United-linked midfielder has been seen as a ‘square-edged piece’ for Diego Simeone and Atletico are a ‘puzzle’ that is ‘all curved.’
Atletico Madrid’s price tag for Man Utd target Conor Gallagher in a 2026 January transfer window swoop
United and Crystal Palace are not alone with their interest in Conor Gallagher, with Tottenham also believed to be monitoring the former Chelsea ace’s situation.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Premier League clubs have been ‘lurking’ around Gallagher, who could struggle to be the ‘right’ fit for Simeone and Atletico Madrid.
According to the Spanish outlet, Atletico ‘could change their stance’ on the midfielder and could sell him in January 2026 if ‘there is an offer over €60m’ tabled for him.
However, it is believed that United target Gallagher is still seen as an ‘important player’ at the La Liga club and Atletico ‘would like to keep him’ rather than sell him.
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