Conor Gallagher’s move to Atlético Madrid has not unfolded as smoothly as he may have hoped, with the England international struggling for consistent minutes under Diego Simeone.

According to reports from Spain, Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Crystal Palace are monitoring his situation closely, with a potential move back to England not ruled out.

Gallagher has featured in six games this season but only accumulated 182 minutes, with most of his appearances coming from the bench.

For a player eager to secure his place in England’s squad for the next World Cup, regular game time is essential, and that currently feels uncertain in Madrid.

Conor Gallagher not the perfect fit for Simeone

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo described Gallagher as a “square-edged piece” in Simeone’s “curved puzzle” – highlighting the sense that the midfielder’s high-energy, box-to-box style is not the most natural fit for Atlético’s tactical framework.

While the club values his qualities, his role has so far been limited, leaving open the possibility of an early exit.

This scenario has piqued the interest of English clubs. Crystal Palace, where Gallagher impressed on loan in the 2021/22 season, are among those interested in bringing him back to Selhurst Park.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have also been mentioned as a potential destination, given their midfield rebuild and need for dynamism in the centre of the pitch.

€60m price tag set for potential transfer

Despite his limited involvement so far, Atlético still see Gallagher as an important asset.

However, Mundo Deportivo suggests that a serious offer of over €60 million in the next transfer window could tempt the La Liga side to part ways with him.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been mentioned in the mix, though Palace and United are thought to be more active in their interest.

For Gallagher, the coming months could prove pivotal. Either he wins Simeone’s trust and cements a place in Madrid’s midfield, or the lure of regular football back in the Premier League forces a return to familiar surroundings.