Manchester United learn price for “priceless” La Liga midfielder ahead of potential January swoop

Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher wants a Premier League return. (REUTERS/Susana Vera)

Manchester United’s steady revival under Ruben Amorim continued at the weekend as they edged out Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, handing the Eagles their first home defeat of the season.

Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and, surprisingly, Mason Mount secured a win that lifts United to seventh — a far cry from the chaos of last season’s 15th-place finish.

With momentum finally building, January could bring another boost, as United have now been informed what it will take to land one of their long-standing midfield targets.

Atletico Madrid have reportedly set their valuation for Conor Gallagher, giving Manchester United clarity ahead of the winter window.

The 25-year-old has struggled for minutes in Spain this season, starting only three league games and slipping down the hierarchy. His reduced role has also seen him drift out of Gareth Southgate’s England plans, with names like Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson ahead of him.

Since joining Atletico from Chelsea for £34m in 2024, Gallagher has played 69 matches and scored six goals, but his situation has now shifted.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico are open to selling the midfielder in January — though not on loan. A permanent deal is the only route they will entertain.

Gallagher — described as “priceless” by Mauricio Pochettino during his Chelsea days — could be allowed to leave for around £26 million, a figure that has immediately put Premier League clubs on alert.

United remain firmly in the race after strong summer interest, and several Italian sides are also monitoring developments, but the path is now clear: any club willing to meet Atletico’s price will have a real chance of securing the midfielder this winter.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.