Aston Villa close in on Conor Gallagher: loan with mandatory buy as midfielder eyes Premier League return | OneFootball

Aston Villa are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid.

The two teams are in advanced negotiations over a loan deal with a mandatory purchase option. Gallagher is keen to return to thePremier League after two seasons in Spain.

The 25-year-old has struggled for a regular role under Diego Simeone this season, starting just fourLa Liga games. He has not been capped by England since June 2025 as a result, and an imminent move to Villa Park is designed to boost his World Cup hopes.

Fabrizio Romano is reporting that discussions between the clubs are at 'the final stages', with negotiations on personal terms between Aston Villa and the midfielder to continue.

Gallagher joined Atletico Madrid fromChelsea for a fee in the region of £34m in 2024 and he has since scored seven times in 77 games for the Rojiblancos. However, just four of his 19 La Liga appearances this season have come from the start.

Aston Villa are working actively to improve their squad this month. The Villans announced the signing of Metz teenager Brian Madjo on Friday, while there is interest in re-signing former loanee Tammy Abraham.

Villa want to strengthen their squad as the club remain competitive on multiple fronts. Villa are just six points behind leaders Arsenal in thePremier League title race, while the club remain in contention for both the FA Cup and Europa League.

Unai Emery also wants to terminate Harvey Elliott's loan spell. Elliot joined from Liverpool last summer but has failed to make the desired impact. He's made just five appearances, and Villa will be required to pay a fee of £35m once the midfielder makes 10 appearances.

Elsewhere, there is also interest in Donyell Malen from Italian side AS Roma. Talks are ongoing over a loan with an option to buy.