Conor Gallagher: Atletico Madrid soften stance on Man United target’s potential January exit | OneFootball

Conor Gallagher’s potential move to Manchester United this winter has received a significant boost, with the latest developments emerging from Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United remain determined to strengthen their midfield engine room, with head coach Ruben Amorim eager to inject greater control, energy, and quality into the heart of his side. Gallagher, one of the most dynamic young midfielders on the market, is firmly on their radar.

Gallagher links

Having missed out on Carlos Baleba last summer, Gallagher was among the names Ineos attempted to bring in. However, Atletico rejected those advances at the time.

Yet the links have not cooled, with United continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Recent reports indicate the Red Devils are pushing for a loan deal. Initially, Atletico were reluctant to sanction a temporary exit, insisting any departure would have to be permanent. However, the landscape has now shifted.

Gallagher to leave Wanda Metropolitano

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey claims Atleti have softened their stance regarding a January move.

Gallagher is understood to have held talks with Diego Simeone, during which he convinced his manager to allow him to leave, citing limited game time and his ambitions ahead of the World Cup.

Following that meeting, Bailey via Teamtalk reports: “Atletico have now agreed that Gallagher can depart in January, as long as their wishes and demands are met.”

Loan exit, the realistic option for Gallagher

The Spanish club are believed to be open to a compromise, with intermediaries, as per Bailey, suggesting a loan move including an option to buy could be the most realistic outcome.

United, who favour such an arrangement, would undoubtedly press hard to secure Gallagher’s services.

Yet Bailey cautions that the 20-time English champions face fierce competition, with Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also circling.

For Gallagher, who has endured limited minutes this season, the assurance of regular game time could prove decisive in determining the outcome of his race.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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