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WORLD CUP PUSH: CONOR GALLAGHER AGREES TO LOAN MOVE, MAN UTD BACK IN PURSUIT

Manchester United is talking internally about a move for Conor Gallagher. The midfielder is open to a loan to secure regular play time and keep his place in England's 2026 World Cup squad.

World Cup Push: Conor Gallagher Agrees to Loan Move, Man Utd Back in Pursuit
Gallagher Deal Suits United’s Budget

Manchester United are back in the running for Conor Gallagher as the January transfer window approaches. They're talking internally about possibly grabbing the Atletico Madrid midfielder. United were interested before, looking at a deal in the summer, but things have changed since then.

Gallagher, who moved from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid in 2024 for €42m (around £37m), is now okay with a short-term move. He wants to play regularly during this key point in his career. United is watching closely as Ruben Amorim works to reshape his midfield choices.

Man Utd's Midfield Plans Get Serious

Manchester United is clear on what they want for their midfield. Amorim wants players who are athletic, intense, and flexible so he can bring Old Trafford's midfield into today's game. They've looked at different players, and Gallagher seems like a good fit since he's done well in the Premier League before and could adapt fast.

The deal didn't happen last summer because of timing. They talked late in the window, but Atletico didn't want to let him go so soon after he arrived. But their position has become more flexible because Gallagher hasn't been playing as much this season.

The England international has only started a few league and Champions League games this season. This is very different from when he was consistently playing in England. Atletico is happy with his work ethic, but there's a lot of competition for spots, which has limited his playing time.

January Window Could Be Key

Gallagher’s main goal is obvious: the 2026 World Cup is coming up, and he gets that randomly showing up to games won't cut it if he wants to keep his spot on the national team. People close to him think he needs to start games regularly if he wants to stay in the running for future England squads.

A January loan seems like the most realistic option, which works for Gallagher and clubs that want him, according to TeamTalk. Manchester United would like this kind of deal since it lets them add a player without spending too much right away after their recent investments.

Agents are trying to find options across the Premier League, and some clubs are interested. Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are watching closely, and Everton and West Ham United are also paying attention. Even with interest from overseas, it seems Gallagher would rather go back to England.

Atletico's View and What the Player Thinks

Atletico Madrid isn't trying to push Gallagher out, but they're willing to talk if they get a good offer. The player is comfortable in Madrid and still thinks he can prove himself to Diego Simeone, but he's being realistic because he's not starting games.

From United’s side, Gallagher’s experience, ability to stay healthy, and awareness on the field are appealing. He brings energy when he has the ball and when he doesn't. He's also shown he can play different midfield roles, which fits what Amorim wants.

The £37m price from when he moved from Chelsea is still a reference point, but any permanent deal will likely depend on how he performs during a loan. United is trying to balance what they need now with their long-term plans for rebuilding.

Premier League Return Seems Likely

Many people agree that Gallagher will likely return to the Premier League. His skills match the speed and toughness of the league, and he's shown before that he can make an immediate impact when given responsibility.

Manchester United's renewed interest puts them in a good position, but the competition will likely be tougher as January gets closer. A lot depends on what Gallagher wants and what guarantees he gets about playing time.

For United, this is a second shot at getting a player they've wanted for a while. For Gallagher, this could be a defining choice as he tries to get back on top for his club and country during a crucial season.

WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA

Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.

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Marcus Rashford is right to choose the sun of Spain over Manchester

Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.

He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.

Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.

The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.

England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.

Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.

He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.

Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.

If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.

COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS

Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.

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Family ties are pulling Chelsea’s star back to Manchester

Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.

Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.

The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.

It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.

Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.

Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.

“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”

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