Man Utd step up move for ex-Chelsea star to replace Kobbie Mainoo in January

Mainoo still wants to leave United (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United are considering a loan swoop for Conor Gallagher in the January transfer window – a move that could see the club give Kobbie Mainoo the green light to leave.

After they were priced out of a move for Brighton star Carlos Baleba last August, United turned their attention to the Atletico Madrid star as they sought to bolster their options in midfield.

United approached Atletico over a loan move for the England international but the Spanish giants were only interested in a permanent deal.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro has been Ruben Amorim ’s midfield partnership with the Brazil international a fine season at Old Trafford. But occasions where Amorim has sought to rest the 33-year-old has exposed United’s lack of options.

Manuel Ugarte has shown little promise with Mainoo still to start a Premier League match this season.

United still hold interest in Baleba with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Wolves star Joao Gomes also among their targets.

But interest in Gallagher could be reignited ahead of January. The Daily Mail reports United could tempt Atletico with an initial loan offer with the view to a £45million permanent switch in the summer.

United wanted Gallagher in the summer (Picture: Getty)

While he is happy in Spain, Gallagher has started just four matches in all competitions this season and is eager to play regularly to strengthen his chances of making England’s World Cup squad next summer.

United blocked Mainoo’s attempts to leave United on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window.

Mainoo still hasn’t started a Premier League game (Picture: Getty)

Napoli were keen to sign the midfielder in a move that would have reunited him with fellow United academy graduate Scott McTomonay but Amorim was reluctant to lose any players – a position he still holds.

The arrival of another midfield option would change that however.