Man Utd 'decide' January transfer priority after missing out on deadline day deal

Manchester United have already identified their top transfer target for the winter window after making a late move on deadline day.

After nearly three months of rumours and dramatic moves, the summer transfer window officially closed late on Monday evening, with dozens of big names securing moves.

Across the Premier League, clubs were active throughout the window, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all making deals right up until the deadline.

On deadline day, Liverpool secured their dream signing of Alexander Isak, Arsenal brought in Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma , while United also bought a new goalkeeper in Senne Lammens.

But there was one more player targeted by United who, having failed to finalise a deal before the deadline, will reportedly be their number one target in the winter.

Senne Lammens is set to be unveiled as United's final summer signing after completing a move on deadline day. (Image: Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Having shut at 19:00 BST on September 1, the transfer window will now remain shut for four months until Thursday 1 January 2026 where it will reopen until 19:00 GMT on Monday 2 February 2026.

And according to The Daily Mail's Chris Wheeler, United could be eager to complete a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher as soon as possible.

The report claims that United made an inquiry about a loan move for the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace star but were told that only a permanent sale would be considered.

Having already secured moves for Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon and Lammens, United decided that this was not possible this summer, but remain interested in a move in the future.

Midfield is believed to be a priority for United in either the January window or next summer, meaning it is likely that they will revisit a move for Gallagher should they believe that it is still possible.

Conor Gallager was linked with several Premier League clubs this summer. (Image: Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)

With 136 appearances in the Premier League, it's no surprise that United would be interested in the England international, who has featured in all three of Atletico Madrid's opening La Liga fixtures.

But it is likely that United will not be the only English club interested in a future as Everton and former club Crystal Palace are also believed to have explored a deal for the 25-year-old this summer.