Manchester United are being linked with a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, with reports in Spain claiming the Premier League club are the most interested in bringing him back to England.

Gallagher made the switch from Chelsea to Atletico last year but has struggled to establish himself under Diego Simeone.

He started just 19 league matches in his debut season and has only managed two La Liga starts so far this campaign, one of which saw him substituted at half-time.

Frustrated by his lack of minutes, the 25-year-old is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League. Several English clubs are monitoring the situation, but United are thought to be leading the race and are weighing up a potential offer.

Atletico, however, hold a strong position. Gallagher still has four years remaining on his contract, and the Spanish side are not keen to part ways.

Reports suggest they have placed a £52 million valuation on him, a figure that could make any deal difficult in January.

United’s Midfield Problems

Gallagher’s profile fits what Ruben Amorim is looking for. United need a midfielder capable of covering ground, pressing effectively, and contributing in possession to suit the Portuguese manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Amorim’s current options have struggled to deliver. Casemiro no longer offers the same athleticism, Manuel Ugarte has looked uncomfortable in possession, and Kobbie Mainoo has yet to convince his manager fully.

The result has been continued inconsistency in midfield, a problem United hoped to address in the summer window.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba was the club’s primary target at the time, but negotiations fell short. Gallagher was considered late in the window, though Atletico ultimately refused to sell.

That stance appears unchanged, as Los Rojiblancos do not want to weaken their squad mid-season without securing a replacement.

Gallagher has already shown his qualities in the Premier League during spells with Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

His energy, ball-winning ability, and work rate could make him a valuable addition at Old Trafford. Still, the fee being demanded is likely to be a sticking point.

Whether United are willing to meet Atletico’s valuation remains to be seen. But with ongoing midfield issues, Gallagher’s situation is one they are expected to monitor closely in the months ahead.