Fabrizio Romano: Manchester United still 'monitoring' midfielder after failed summer move
The latest Man Utd transfer news in their pursuit of a midfield signing next year.
Manchester United are still monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as they look to reinforce their squad next year.
United enquired to sign the 25-year-old on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window, but the La Liga side made it clear they would only sanction a permanent sale. A move for Gallagher would appeal to United due to the fact he has Premier League experience and would strengthen a light area of the first-team squad.
Manchester World understands United will target at least two midfielders next year, with doubts over all four senior central midfielders at the club. Casemiro could leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, and there is firm transfer interest in Bruno Fernandes from Europe and Saudi Arabia. Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with his playing time, and Manuel Ugarte has struggled since he arrived last year.
Romano: United monitoring Gallagher over move
Manchester United sources played down the suggestion they wanted to sign a midfielder this summer and claimed it was never a 'priority' position. The focus was instead on overhauling the attack, as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all signed in the transfer window.
Ruben Amorim wants to refresh his midfield options next year, and there will once again be a preference for Premier League experience as he looks to improve the physicality of his side. Brighton ace Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest gem Elliot Anderson could all be on their radar.
A move for Gallagher can't be ruled out either. He has made 136 Premier League appearances in his career so far, during spells with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Brom. He would provide Amorim with another option to utilise in central midfield, though he might struggle for playing time if he joined in the January window.
Writing in his latest GIVEMESPORT newsletter, notorious transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano issued an update on the transfer interest and revealed he is still being looked at ahead of the January window. "There's no negotiation now, so nothing in terms of "latest" - Gallagher remains one of the players monitored by Man United, as he was on shortlist at the end of August. It will depend on what Atletico want to do, as they didn't open to loan move in August," he wrote.
Manchester United player ratings: 'Brilliant' 8/10 but 'poor' 3/10 costs Amorim in Nottingham Forest draw