United pushing to sign 25-yo running machine in January, La Liga giants ready to accept €30m bid – report

Manchester United are unlikely to spend recklessly in the January transfer window.  United’s midfield issues are there for all to see this season. Ruben Amorim continues to rely on the ageing Casemiro, having shown little faith in Kobbie Mainoo since taking over at the helm. Manuel Ugarte, meanwhile, has proven to be a liability in the middle of the park. The club’s hierarchy are keen to sign a Premier League-proven midfielder. Accordingly, they are closely monitoring Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson. Needless to say, they all have massive price tags on their heads, making them more viable targets for next summer. As such, United should explore the possibility of signing an Englishman who is thought to be available at a reasonable price. Gallagher can leave Atletico for cut-price fee According to MARCA, Atletico Madrid are willing to part ways with Conor Gallagher mid-season. Gallagher earned a lucrative move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2024 after impressing at Chelsea with his intensity, ball-winning and ground coverage. However, this term, the England international has struggled for gametime under Diego Simeone, having managed just two starts in La Liga.  It has been widely reported that the 25-year-old is open to exiting Atletico in January as he is seeking a more prominent role ahead of the World Cup next summer. It is believed 16 Premier League clubs, including United, have shown interest in Gallagher. The Spanish publication claim Atletico will consider selling Gallagher “if an offer close to €30 million comes in.” Man United wanted Gallagher in summer Last summer, United tried to sign Gallagher late in the window after Mainoo expressed a desire to secure a loan exit.  Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that United had a loan proposal rejected by Atletico for the midfielder, as the Rojiblancos had no plans to sanction a temporary exit.  There stance seemingly remains unchanged. However, the €30m price tag should make him an appealing midfield option for United. 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 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!