‘Closing in on deal’: Ornstein drops unexpected transfer update over Man Utd target with medical now scheduled

Conor Gallagher to Spurs: How it played out

(Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

That was until Spurs entered the race at the 11th hour in hopes of changing Gallagher’s mind following a lengthy injury layoff to Rodrigo Bentancur. In addition, they were willing to pay for the transfer upfront, as opposed to taking him on a temporary deal first.

Both Atletico and Gallagher approved the terms, and David Ornstein has since verified that the 25-year-old will fly from Spain to England today to undergo his medical after reporting last night that the London outfit were ‘closing in on a deal’.

🚨 Conor Gallagher expected to fly to England on Tuesday to undergo medical + finalise details on long-term contract ahead of joining Tottenham Hotspur from Atletico Madrid. Agreement reached between #THFC & #Atleti over €40m permanent deal @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/lCHpTEw193

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 12, 2026

Gallagher rules himself out of Old Trafford switch

Conor Gallagher in action for Atletico Madrid — (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

While Manchester United didn’t officially get involved in the hectic race, they were confirmed to be admirers of Gallagher in the build-up to January.

They had identified the Chelsea graduate as a suitable option to bolster the midfield ranks mid-campaign, having had a loan offer for Gallagher rejected in the final 48 hours of the summer window.

However, he was keen on securing a prominent squad role if he were to leave the Wanda Metropolitano this month, as well as continuing to play in the Champions League, which neither United nor Villa could offer.

Competition	Appearances	Starts	Minutes played
La Liga	19	4	665
Champions League	6	3	286

*Gallagher’s record in Atletico’s two main competitions thus far (Transfermarkt)

The fact that United have also been knocked out of both cup competitions makes any winter deal considerably harder to negotiate, given the team will be playing their fewest number of matches since 1915.