Fabrizio Romano explains where United stand in Conor Gallagher race as Aston Villa turn up the heat

Fabrizio Romano has provided a significant update on Conor Gallagher’s future, which could end any hopes Manchester United harboured of signing the player this month.

Gallagher on United’s radar

United are believed to be on the hunt for midfielder reinforcements, having spent the bulk of their summer transfer budget on bolstering the attacking department.

The club explored the addition of a midfielder to their ranks, identifying Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba as their top target. However, they pulled out of talks after learning of the Seagulls’ prohibitive asking price.

Interest in Baleba remains firm, and there were even rumours that United asked about him at the early stages of the month. But the Cameroonian is not the only midfielder wanted by the Red Devils, with the likes of Eliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) also on the list.

Gallagher’s name has also repeatedly popped up, with the England international being viewed as a more affordable alternative.

Atletico Madrid are thought to be open to letting Gallagher leave even though he enjoys a positive relationship with Diego Simeone.

Gallagher has made 27 appearances for Atletico across competitions this season. He has notched three goals and one assist in that period. There have been suggestions that United were keen on a loan deal for the former Chelsea man, who would not oppose a return to the Premier League.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Villa also want Gallagher and now, it’s being said that Unai Emery’s side are on the verge of landing him, dealing a fatal blow to United.

Gallagher update

According to journalist Matteo Moretto on X, “Aston Villa and Atlético de Madrid are in advanced negotiations over Conor Gallagher.”

“This is a loan deal with an option to buy that could become mandatory. There are still a few details to iron out between the parties, but there’s good rapport.”

“Other English clubs are also closely following Gallagher’s situation and are considering making an offer in the coming hours.”

Aston Villa y Atlético de Madrid están en negociaciones avanzadas por Conor Gallagher.

Se trata de una operación de cesión con opción de compra que puede convertirse en obligatoria.

Aún quedan algunos detalles por concretar entre las partes, pero hay buena sintonía.

Otros… pic.twitter.com/gftlcVajiz

— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) January 12, 2026

This has been corroborated by Romano. As per Romano, “Aston Villa are on the verge of club to club agreement for Conor Gallagher.”

“Negotiations are at final stages with Atlético Madrid, loan with buy option clause to eventually becoming mandatory.”

Talks with Gallagher’s camp to try and strike a full agreement are ongoing.

Aston Villa are on the verge of club to club agreement for Conor Gallagher.

Negotiations are at final stages with Atlético Madrid, loan with buy option clause to eventually becoming mandatory.

Talks to continue on player side now. @MatteMoretto pic.twitter.com/5HKLiR8YXV

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2026

It remains to be seen whether this development jolts United into life and whether they try and launch an attempt to snap up Gallagher. For now, the club’s attention appears to be fully on the managerial situation, with Michael Carrick close to assuming the interim role after Ruben Amorim’s sacking.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

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