Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur set sights on £45m Atletico Madrid star

Atletico Madrid are hoping to make one more signing before Monday’s deadline, but for this to happen, they need to sell someone. And a leading candidate in this regard is Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher arrived at Atleti last summer in a big-money move from Chelsea, but he struggled to hold down a regular starting spot during his first season at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano. And with a host of new signings having joined during the current transfer window, it is far from certain that he will manage to do it during the 2025-26 campaign too.

This has led to reports that he could return to England, with former club Crystal Palace keen on re-signing him. However, they are not alone, with CaughtOffside reporting that Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United also in the race for the 25-year-old midfielder.

Spurs are believed to be leading the race to sign Gallagher, having held a long-term interest in his services. Man United are monitoring the situation, while Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also eyeing moves. But it will not be easy for any to get a deal done as Atleti are reportedly asking for £45m.

An offer in the region of £35-40m is said to be being prepared by Spurs, who are aiming to test Atleti’s resolve. Officials at the RiyadhAir Metropolitano know that the sale of Gallagher would open the door to signing Nico Gonzalez from Juventus, who would be the final piece in Diego Simeone’s puzzle in attack.

It remains to be seen whether Gallagher does leave Atleti before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. Any deal would need to be favourites for Los Colchoneros, as they would not have much time left to use the money raised from the sale.