Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign an English midfielder for just £26million when the January transfer window arrives.
Man Utd seeks midfield reinforcements
This summer it was Ruben Amorim’s frontline that captured the attention as INEOS welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in an impressive window. Now, as 2026 approaches, it appears Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to turn his attention to the Man United midfield.
Those at Old Trafford were considering a move for Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer window, before Brighton & Hove Albion stopped them from doing so. Months later, it appears the midfielder has disappeared from Man United’s list of targets, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson now taking center stage.
The 23-year-old is quickly becoming the most sought-after player in the Premier League, but he is not the only option on United’s list of targets in the middle of the park.
They have also reportedly been told they can now sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid at a bargain price in January. The former Chelsea player could be on his way back to the Premier League as he looks to return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Man Utd now offer favorable deal with Conor Gallagher
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Man United have now learned they could sign Gallagher for just €30m (£26m) when 2026 arrives. The England international has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid and he is now set to leave the club in search of consistent playing time.
“It appears that Atletico would be willing to part ways with Conor Gallagher in January if he gets a decent fee.
“I think they will be looking for around €30m, so around £26m to let Gallagher go.
“It started mid-week [26 November] for Atletico against Inter in the Champions League in a rare debut, but he has not been a regular starter under Diego Simeone.
“I think for Gallagher himself, he might be willing to consider a move away in January because of his ambitions to try and break into Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup.” (O’Rourke)
Described as “intense” by Simeone, Gallagher could provide United’s midfield with the legs that Casemiro is otherwise unable to provide these days. The 25-year-old is a real workhorse in midfield, who also has a knack for scoring goals when needed.
Although United’s big target is Anderson, they would do their top four prospects no harm by welcoming Gallagher in the January transfer window, especially at just £26 million.
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The Red Devils could fight directly with their Premier League rivals to land his signature.
However, it remains to be seen whether INEOS will be willing to act from the winter window. They could still dedicate all their funds to winning what promises to be an eventful race for Anderson next summer.
INEOS can fund Elliot Anderson transfer by offloading Man Utd’s ‘best player’
