United back in business: CL giants send biggest signal that they are open to selling INEOS’ top January target – report

Manchester United have received some good news in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher. The Red Devils are expected to utilise the January transfer window to reinforce the midfield, which has now become a problematic position for Ruben Amorim. The injury to Bruno Fernandes has laid bare the lack of options in the middle of the park for the Portuguese head coach, especially since Kobbie Mainoo is sidelined as well. United were always expected to invest in the middle of the park in 2026. However, a topsy-turvy month of December, during which they have won just two of their six games, has accelerated matters for Amorim. Recent reports relayed by The Peoples Person state that Conor Gallagher is on the English giants’ radar this month. Premier League-proven option INEOS found great success by signing Premier League-proven players in the summer of 2025. United, as such, remain linked with several midfielders from the top tier of English football to solve their conundrum. Gallagher also has experience of playing in the Premier League with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion, making 136 appearances and scoring 18 goals. Conor Gallagher Premier League Stats MetricValue Appearances (Sub)136 (20) Goals18 Assists13 Goals18 Expected Goals (xG)14.69 Expected Assists (xA)10.12 Touches in Opposition Box270 Penalties (Scored)0 (0) Hit Woodwork7 Free Kicks (Scored)4 (4) Crosses (Completed %)146 (18%) Passes (Completed %)4,678 (86%) Long Passes (Completed %)278 (58%) Corners Taken155 Minutes Played10,132 Dribbles (Completed %)233 (58%) Duels Won731 Aerial Duels Won90 Total Tackles281 Interceptions122 Blocks38 Red Cards2 Yellow Cards37 Fouls226 Offsides5 Own Goals0 Source: Premier League website. The player was highly rated at Stamford Bridge before his shock move to the Metropolitano Stadium in the summer of 2024. After a decent debut season, Gallagher has fallen out of favour under Diego Simeone, and the Red Devils are ready to take advantage of the situation. It now appears that Los Rojiblancos are also preparing for the 25 year old’s departure. Atletico Madrid want Leon Goretzka According to a report from Fichajes, Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Leon Goretzka as a possible replacement for Gallagher. The German midfielder has entered the final six months of his contract with Bayern Munich and has yet to sign a new deal. Goretzka has registered 46 goals and 48 assists in 287 appearances for the Bavarians to date, but he has struggled for chances under Vincent Kompany this season. His style of play also makes him a fine fit for Simeone. A recent report from The Peoples Person, meanwhile, states that United are also considering a move for the 30 year old in January. However, there remain doubts about the move, especially since the player is already on the wrong side of 30 and his contract expires in a few months. Atletico Madrid’s interest in the player, on the other hand, will be good news for the Red Devils, as it means that they could finally get their hands on Gallagher. Final Thoughts United have been linked with Goretzka for ages, and the move has never materialised. There is no point in securing his services now when he is set to enter the final phase of his career. Gallagher, meanwhile, could be a smart addition to Amorim’s squad, so the Red Devils should make good use of the latest developments and prise him away. 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.