United leading race to sign £40m star who is likely to snub two CL clubs due to his “love” for PL – report

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Manchester United to the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher. Gallagher was the subject of an unsuccessful loan bid from United last summer. The Englishman was thought to be on the club’s radar for the winter transfer window as well. However, Spurs have acted swiftly to bring Gallagher back to London. Manchester United have edge in three-way race for Joao Gomes After selling Gallagher for a fee of £34 million, Atletico Madrid are now exploring the market for a new midfielder.  According to Marca (via Sport Witness), Atletico are interested in signing Joao Gomes from Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, they face competition from Manchester United and Napoli. The Spanish publication claim United are keen on signing the tenacious Brazilian midfielder and will “fight” with the two Champions League clubs for his signature. The La Liga giants have funds to convince Wolves to part ways with one of their best players, who is thought to be valued at in excess of £40m.  However, it is believed the Brazil international’s love for the Premier League could give United a clear advantage. The 24-year-old moved to England from Brazil in 2023 from Flamengo. Manchester United prepared to sign a midfielder in January Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United will make funds available to strengthen Michael Carrick’s squad in January “should a target for the long term become available.” Apart from Gomes, United are keeping an eye on ex-Wolves midfield metronome Ruben Neves. Joao Gomes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League20–6-1597′ FA Cup1—61′ EFL Cup3-11-116′ Total15-15-1774′ Carrick, meanwhile, is thought to be an admirer of English midfielder Hayden Hackney, who was an instrumental part of his Middlesbrough side.  With Carrick expected to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, United want to reinforce their midfield and Hackney has emerged as a cost-effective solution. The Championship outfit have slapped a £30m price tag on the 23-year-old technically-gifted midfielder.  Featured image Naomi Baker 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!