Manchester United: Conor Gallagher addresses January transfer links and reveals talks with Thomas Tuchel | OneFootball

England midfielder has been linked with a Premier League return to boost hopes of making World Cup squad

Conor Gallagher says he has spoken to England manager Thomas Tuchel about a return to the national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

The former Chelsea midfielder has been included in England squads for the last three major international tournaments, though has not been called up by Tuchel for any camp this season.

Gallagher has not given up hope of representing the Three Lions at the World Cup next summer, but admits regular minutes at club level will determine whether he earns a recall.

“That’s one of my goals," he told Spanish publication Diario AS. "I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team.

“And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point.

“But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team.”

Conor Gallagher has worked with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and England

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

One potential avenue for Gallagher to boost his World Cup chances is to leave Atletico in the January transfer window - whether that be permanently or on loan.

Manchester United were said to have made an enquiries for Gallagher last summer and reports suggest they reignite their interest in the midfielder at the start of 2026 as Ruben Amorim seeks to bolster his options in the engine room.

While Gallagher concedes he is “not satisfied” with his current situation in the Spanish capital, he is not pushing for a move either.

He added: “No, no, of course not. I'm not satisfied. I don't think anyone is if they're not playing as much as they'd like, but I'll keep working very hard to help the team whenever I have the chance, and hopefully more opportunities to be a starter will come.

“I'm very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team.

“And, as I've said, I'm going to keep working as hard as I can to play more minutes and help the team.”