Report: Man Utd now eyeing deal for 25yr old England star ahead of Tottenham
The final days of the summer transfer window are always full of surprises, and one of the most intriguing stories developing involves the future of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher.
According to recent reports, Manchester United have now entered the race to sign the English international, setting up a potential transfer battle with Tottenham Hotspur as the deadline quickly approaches.
For much of the window, Spurs have been considered the frontrunners for Gallagher’s signature. The North London club is eager to add more energy and Premier League experience to their midfield, especially with the long-term injury to James Maddison.
They have already submitted an offer in the range of £35-40 million, but Atletico Madrid have so far held firm, maintaining their valuation of around £45 million for the player.
Manchester United’s interest adds a fascinating new layer to this story. After focusing most of their summer business on strengthening the attack with signings like Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, the club has identified midfield as an area that still needs attention.
The need for a player who can provide control, energy, and tactical intelligence in the center of the park has become increasingly clear in the early weeks of the season.
The challenges in United’s midfield are well-known. Casemiro, while still a valuable leader, is not the dynamic force he once was and can struggle against high-pressing teams.
Manuel Ugarte has shown flashes of quality but has struggled with consistency and ball retention. Kobbie Mainoo is a talented prospect, but manager Ruben Amorim has suggested that he is still developing and may not be ready for a week-in, week-out role just yet.
This is where Gallagher could make a significant difference. His skill set seems tailor-made for the demands of the Premier League.
He is known for his incredible work rate, intelligent pressing, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Last season at Atletico Madrid, he adapted quickly to La Liga, completing 87% of his passes while averaging 3.3 recoveries and 1.4 tackles per game.
These are exactly the kind of numbers that would appeal to a United side looking for more stability and combativeness in the middle of the pitch.
What makes Gallagher particularly attractive is his versatility. He is comfortable playing in a number of different midfield roles, from a deep-lying distributor to a more advanced box-to-box presence.
This flexibility would give Amorim more options and allow him to tailor his tactics based on the opponent.
Of course, convincing the player to choose Old Trafford over Tottenham Hotspur will be a challenge. Spurs can offer Champions League football this season, a major draw for any player.
However, Manchester United remains one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the promise of a guaranteed starting role in a World Cup year could be a powerful persuader.
For Gallagher, regular playing time at a high level will be essential if he wants to secure his place in the England squad.
As the clock ticks down, the coming days will be decisive. Will Atletico Madrid lower their asking price? Will Tottenham increase their offer?
And will Manchester United formalize their interest with a concrete bid? One thing is certain: the outcome of this transfer saga will have a significant impact on the ambitions of all three clubs involved.