Manchester United appear to be winning the race for an England international’s signature for the January transfer window.
Manchester United could be among the most active clubs in the Premier League in the January transfer window, as improvements are needed if Rúben Amorim is to remain in charge at Old Trafford.
The first question is, will Amorim play a back four or three? If he continues with a back three – as he has for much of the season, including most recently against Wolves – then new wing-backs will be needed, not to mention another defensive midfielder.
However, if Amorim switches to a back four – as he did against Aston Villa and Newcastle United – then some more natural full-backs could be signed, while a left-winger could also be on the list.
United have been strongly linked with Antoine Semenyo, but he appears to be destined for Manchester City, so attention will have to be turned elsewhere.
Central midfield has been an issue at Old Trafford for as long as the managerial problems, and this could finally be resolved in the winter window, especially if Manuel Ugarte leaves the club.
United lead race for Gallagher
Conor Gallagher has been linked with a move away from Spain for the last two transfer windows, with United continually linked with the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace midfielder.
TeamTALK have now reported that United are leading the race for the England international, alongside Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs see him as the “ideal” candidate for their midfield, while United are also “firmly in the picture”.
United appear to favour a loan deal, rather than a permanent transfer, although Gallagher could be available for as little as £26 million in the January transfer window.
Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham United are the other clubs eyeing the Atletico Madrid central midfielder, but they remain behind Spurs and United in the hunt for Gallagher.
United should consider alternative options
Signing Gallagher would be an interesting addition for United, as he would be another midfield addition, but perhaps not in the right area.
In the past, Gallagher has played his best football as an attacking midfielder ahead of a midfield two, while United are looking for more of a defensive option.
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Elliot Anderson or Adam Wharton would make much more sense if United are looking at English midfielders, while Carlos Baleba would also be closer to the role Amorim needs.
Whether he plays a back three or four, the need for a midfielder remains. But Gallagher is not the right man for the job.
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