Aston Villa are exploring a deal to bring Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League, talkSPORT understands.
Villa are open to signing Chelsea academy product Gallagher on loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
3
Gallagher could be back in England sooner rather than later
The England international is happy in Spain but would welcome a return to England to help his hopes of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Villans manager Unai Emery has been keen to sign Gallagher since he was at Chelsea.
Managerless Manchester United have also shown an interest in Gallagher but are in limbo following the exit of Ruben Amorim.
Gallagher turns 26 next month and has played 51 La Liga games since joining Atleti from Chelsea in the summer of 2024.
Read more on football
The versatile midfielder would be an interesting addition for Villa as they look to secure Champions League football and compete on multiple fronts.
Despite being thrashed 4-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates, Villa are still in the title race, trailing the Gunners by six points.
The FA Cup third round is about to get underway, and they made the semi-finals last year only to lose to eventual winners Crystal Palace.
But the FA Cup presents Emery a chance to finally win a trophy at Villa Park.
They are also among the favourites to win the Europa League.
Gallagher’s ability to play across the midfield and his top-flight experience stand him in good stead as a strong addition.
During his time in the Premier League, he made 136 appearances for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.
He also has 22 caps for England, but after being an important player during Euro 2024, he has seen his minutes drastically reduced.
Since Tuchel’s arrival, the midfielder has only played in the 3-1 defeat to Senegal.
He played 59 minutes of that match but hasn’t been involved since, with Elliot Anderson emerging as huge option in the middle of the park.
3
Gallagher is enjoying life in Spain, but would a Premier League return give him a chance to go to the World Cup?Credit: Getty
Life in Spain is good for Gallagher as he explained to the FA’s website in late 2024.
He said: “It was amazing, a really good experience. It was a really warm welcome, and it made me feel at home straight away. So, it was really nice for me and all the other signings.”
And on working with Diego Simeone, he said: “He wants everyone to work as hard as possible, to prepare for each game and then win.
Read More on talkSPORT
“And I think that’s perfect for me, he seems like a really good guy, and of course, he’s an amazing manager.
“He is one of the best managers in the world, I already love how he is, with me and with the team. I’m looking forward to working with him for years to come.”
3
Tuchel has barely used GallagherCredit: AFP