Man Utd target Conor Gallagher ‘interested’ in joining Premier League rivals | Football

Aston Villa are looking at signing Manchester United target Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, according to reports.

And it is said that the former Chelsea star is intrigued by the possibility of joining the Premier League title contenders.

Unai Emery is looking to bolster his squad this month as he looks to keep up Villa’s surprise title challenge, with his side just six points off leaders Arsenal after 21 games.

According to the Daily Mail, the Spanish head coach wants to bring in an energetic central-midfielder and has long admired Gallagher since his days at Stamford Bridge.

The England international only joined Atletico 18 months ago in a deal worth £34million, but he has long been linked with a return to the Premier League due to a lack of regular game time in Madrid.

This season, the 25-year-old has made 27 appearances for the La Liga giants but only nine starts. He began Thursday’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final defeat to Real Madrid but was hauled off at half-time.

It is said that Gallagher is happy in Madrid and has a good relationship with manager Diego Simeone but is ‘interested’ by what a move to Villa Park may bring.

As well as their surprise title challenge, Villa are one of the favourites to win the Europa League and enter the FA Cup this weekend with a third-round clash against Tottenham.

Gallagher will no doubt be wary that a regular starting spot will boost his chances of making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Man Utd explored a transfer for the player last summer and going into the January window he was one of many names on their midfield shortlist, alongside England teammates Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson.

It remains to be seen if that has changed following Ruben Amorim’s sacking last Monday.

Atletico have made it clear that they would want at least £35m for Gallagher, which could prove tricky for Villa given their tight financial situation, with Emery also wanting to sign a defender and forward this month.

It is thought the Villans may offer a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but the Spanish giants have previously rejected such a proposition.

Gallagher came through Chelsea’s academy and made 95 appearances for the Blues, frequently captaining the side in his final season, while he also enjoyed a very productive loan spell at Crystal Palace.

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