Conor Gallagher: Man United risk losing transfer race to PL rivals | OneFootball

Manchester United risk losing out on Conor Gallagher to a rival after another Premier League side entered the fray for the Atletico Madrid midfielder, according to new report from Spain.

Business as usual?

Old Trafford has been in a state of chaos this week after INEOS reached the bombshell decision to sack Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach had launched an internal civil war with the club’s hierarchy after efforts were made to get him to adapt his 3-4-2-1 system by Jason Wilcox, influenced by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Amorim reacted furiously to the sporting director in an explosive meeting on Friday, telling Wilcox the squad needed changing, rather than his system, and threatening to call his agent to leave.

Three days later, he got his wish as Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada handed him his marching orders at Carrington on Monday morning.

The hunt for a long-term replacement will be delayed until the summer with a caretaker manager – most likely Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer – taking the reigns for the remainder of the season.

Under-18’s coach Darren Fletcher will lead the side for tonight’s Premier League clash with Burnley, aided by U-21’s boss Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans.

But business at the Theatre of Dreams must remain as close to usual as possible, given the January transfer window remains open for another three-and-half weeks.

While Amorim’s response to questions over his system was incorrect, his observation that the squad needs further changes certainly was not.

There remains a major gap in central midfield, particularly if Bruno Fernandes – deployed in a double pivot by Amorim – is pushed back into his familiar No 10 role by the next manager.

Kobbie Mainoo will be the biggest beneficiary of the change in the dugout. He will be hoping to play a far greater role in the team in the second half of the season with an expected switch to a midfield three.

However, the prospect of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte partnering the 20-year-old technician is a potential problem – and Gallagher, a player Amorim actively pushed to sign, could offer a short-term solution. But only if the Red Devils strike first, as two rivals are also vying for the 25-year-old’s Englishman’s signature this month.

A red-hot battle

Tottenham Hotspur are “ramping up efforts” to secure midfield reinforcements for Thomas Frank with the Danish manager under mounting pressure in north London.

Gallagher is the Lilywhite’s “leading” target, according to TEAMtalk, and have already made contact with Atletico over a deal.

“Spurs are pushing forward with plans to address a lack of dynamism in the middle of the park. Sources close to the club indicate that Frank, who took the reins last summer, is keen on a player capable of progressive carries, relentless pressing, and box-to-box runs to complement the existing setup of Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and the experienced Joao Palhinha.

“Leading the list of potential arrivals is England international Conor Gallagher, currently at Atletico Madrid. The 25-year-old, known for his tireless work rate and ability to drive forward from deep, has seen limited minutes under Diego Simeone this season.

“Gallagher is open to a Premier League return, with Tottenham in contact. A loan move could be feasible, depending on Atletico’s willingness to subsidise wages, though a permanent deal remains a possibility if the numbers align.”

The report notes Spurs “face competition” from the Red Devils, however.

But Fichajes has now revealed Crystal Palace – the club Gallagher thrived at on loan from Chelsea, being nominated for the PFA Player of the Year – are ready to launch an ambitious move for their former player.

The Spanish outlet contends Palace “dreams” of bringing Gallagher back to Selhurst Park, with Oliver Glasner personally approving the move.

The south London club are “willing to make an unprecedented financial effort to convince the player to reject offers from clubs with higher pedigree,” the report concludes.

A major consideration driving Gallagher’s desire to leave the Metropolitano Stadium is the World Cup this summer – with the 25-year-old desperate to get the nod from Thomas Tuchel for the England squad. 

The Three Lions boss has consistently told players they must be featuring regularly for their clubs to be under consideration, with Gallagher having fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone.

Palace would offer Gallagher a more reliable source of minutes than either United or Spurs – and the continued uncertainty around the coaching situation at Old Trafford further hinders any move INEOS may sanction.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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