According to The Pitch Prospect, Aston Villa are exploring a deal to bring Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher back to the Premier League.
Villa are open to signing Chelsea academy youngster Gallagher on loan, with a commitment to buy at the end of the season.
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The England international is happy in Spain but would welcome a return to England to fulfill his hopes of forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Villans coach Unai Emery has been keen to sign Gallagher since he was at Chelsea.
Managerless Manchester United have also shown interest in Gallagher but are in limbo following the departure 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.
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 beaten 4-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates, Villa are still in the title race and are five points behind the Gunners.
The third round of the FA Cup is just around the corner and last year they reached the semi-finals but lost to eventual winners Crystal Palace.
But the FA Cup offers Emery the chance to finally win a trophy at Villa Park.
They are also among the favorites to win the Europa League.
Gallagher’s ability to play across the midfield and his experience in the top flight make him a strong addition.
During his time in the Premier League he played 136 games for Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.
He has also won 22 caps for England, but after being a key player during Euro 2024 he has seen his minutes drastically reduced.
Since Tuchel’s arrival, the midfielder has only featured in the 3-1 defeat against Senegal.
He played 59 minutes of that game but hasn’t been involved since, with Elliot Anderson emerging as a big option in the middle of the park.
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Life in Spain is good for Gallagher, as he explained on the FA’s website at the end of 2024.
He said: “It was incredible, a really good experience. It was a really warm welcome and I felt at home straight away. It was really nice for me and all the other new signings.”
And about working with Diego Simeone he said: “He wants everyone to work as hard as possible, prepare for every game and then win.”
“And I think that’s perfect for me, he seems like a really good guy and of course he’s a great manager.”
“He is one of the best managers in the world, I already love the way he works with me and with the team. I look forward to working with him in the coming years.”
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