PL giants to sign €40m star after launching audacious hijack, United have been chasing him since summer – David Ornstein

Former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is set for a sensational Premier League return, according to transfer guru David Ornstein. Heading into this winter window, the Atlético Madrid midfielder was the very player INEOS had hoped to land. At the club, he was widely regarded as the replacement for the restless Kobbie Mainoo. Yet the turmoil at Old Trafford, including sacking head coach Ruben Amorim, dithering over his replacement, and settling on a caretaker, has left the Red Devils disappointed in their pursuit of the Englishman. United miss out on top winter target Via The Athletic, Ornstein revealed: “Spurs have made a bid worth €40million (£34.7m), which is expected to be accepted — while the midfielder is keen on the move.” While United fans might have expected INEOS to attempt a late hijack, it was Aston Villa who tried to do so. Ornstein added: “Aston Villa also held a strong interest in Gallagher, however no agreements were reached amid their desire to maintain financial discipline.” Gallagher to Tottenham “here we go!” Fabrizio Romano has echoed Ornstein’s claims, confirming: “Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, here we go! The player has just informed Atlético about his decision to join Tottenham. Spurs set to pay €40m fee, permanent deal to beat Villa. “Aston Villa agreed deal with Atlético today, but leave race as player didn’t give final green light.” 🚨💣 Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, here we go! The player has just informed Atléti about his decision to join #THFC. Spurs set to pay €40m fee, permanent deal to beat Villa. Aston Villa agreed deal with Atlético today but leave race as player didn’t give final green light. pic.twitter.com/Xm5mreDa9M — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2026 Gallagher’s Atlético stint ends After 18 months at the Wanda Metropolitano following his departure from Stamford Bridge, Gallagher, who made a promising start, ultimately failed to secure a regular spot under Diego Simeone. With a desire for regular football and an eye on England’s World Cup squad, he was left with little choice but to depart the Spanish capital, having spent much of this season warming the bench. He could, however, have been a valuable addition to United. Indeed, with the 20-time English champion’s midfield crying out for combative “machines”, players with the energy and technical quality to impose control and dominance, Gallagher’s attributes would have slotted in seamlessly. But the 25‑year‑old, admired for his tireless work rate, relentless running and selfless commitment, is now bound for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. All the more frustrating, of course, when you recall that only last August United had formally approached Atlético in the hope of signing him, advances that were, in the end, brutally rebuffed. United forced to look elsewhere This swoop leaves United with little choice but to turn to alternative options. Reports suggest Ruben Neves could now be the player INEOS target to bolster their engine room. Featured image Aitor Alcade via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.