Conor Gallagher has fallen down the pecking order with Atletico Madrid and is unhappy with his situation as Manchester United eye midfield recruits - with the ex-Chelsea man on their radar
Conor Gallagher admits he's "not satisfied" with his situation at Atletico Madrid as his minutes remain limited and a return to England - possibly with Manchester United - continues to be talked up.
The midfielder headed to the Spanish capital last summer when he left boyhood club Chelsea and was initially a big hit playing under Diego Simeone. His status as a regular has declined this term, though, and he's spent long periods on the bench, fuelling speculation that he could soon be heading back to the Premier League.
Those in Manchester are actively looking to add a central midfielder, sooner rather than later. The ex-Blues skipper has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford whilst they also consider a number of other possible options.
Gallagher's situation could play in their favour if they do choose to pursue a move for him. He would tick the homegrown quota box and would relish more minutes - but the 25-year-old has not expressed a desire to push for the exit door despite his lack of involvement.
He told Diario AS: “I’m not satisfied. I don’t think anyone will be if they don’t play as much as they would like, but I will continue to work very hard to, whenever I have the opportunity, help the team and hopefully more opportunities will come to be a starter.
“I’m very happy here. My goal is to win titles with Atleti and I want to have a bigger role in the team. And, as I said, I’m going to continue working to the maximum to play more minutes and be able to help the team.”
Atletico have previously seen English imports head home after a period. Kieran Trippier, who joined from Tottenham, later headed back to join Newcastle. Gallagher does enjoy the benefit of Champions League football with the La Liga outfit, who are only six points off top spot having lost just once all year.
Gallagher knows that regular minutes are necessary if he is to convince England boss Thomas Tuchel that he should go to the World Cup this coming summer. The Atletico star has been part of major tournaments in the past and knows what is required if he is to grab the attention of the Three Lions coach.
“That’s one of my goals," he said. "I have spoken to Thomas Tuchel and he has told me what he needs from me and what I have to do to return to the team. And it seems that, right now, it’s very difficult for me to get to that point. But, as I said before, I will continue to do my best to get more minutes and, hopefully, return to the national team.”