Transfer News: Newcastle United have marked Chelsea star Conor Gallagher as their main target
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has identified Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as their main target for the remaining weeks of the transfer window, per The Sun (h/t Express). The window is due to close on September 1.
Gallagher impressed on loan last season at Crystal Palace. The 22-year-old’s impressive performances even earned him an England call-up. He is currently part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, having featured in both their games from the bench.
The Englishman has been of interest to multiple parties over the last few months, but now the Magpies seem to have upped their interest. It is said that Chelsea values the player for £40 million, and could now be potentially tested.
Tuchel has admitted that he is a ‘huge fan’ of the 22-year-old. But he has also acknowledged the fact that Gallagher will face a challenge to cement himself in his starting eleven.
Conor fights in central midfield. To be very honest, it’s a tough fight for him because at the moment, as it seems, we only have two places in central midfield, which is a bit unfair given the number of players we have for central midfield.
Gallagher scored eight goals and got three assists in 34 league games for the Eagles last season. His impressive performances in the middle of the park every week in and out earned him the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award. This led to him being included in Tuchel’s pre-season squad.
He was impressive then too and looks to have earned a place on the bench for this season. The 22-year-old made his debut against Everton and came off the bench again against Tottenham Hotspur. A box-to-box midfielder, he possesses all the required qualities to be part of Tuchel’s system.
With N’Golo Kante picking up an injury in the last game, it would be a surprise if Gallagher will be allowed to leave. The player shares similar traits with the Frenchman and could be his possible long-term replacement. Gallagher’s current contract runs till 2025 and one would expect him to see that out at least.
The issue of game-time could be the biggest challenge for Chelsea. Newcastle are better situated to offer the player more minutes than the Blues. Howe has built an exciting squad for this season and adding Gallagher would make them a force to reckon with.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea fall short with £40m bid for Everton striker Anthony Gordon
- Chelsea are set to offer a new contract with improved terms to Armando Broja
- Trevoh Chalobah garners transfer interest from several clubs with Chelsea role uncertain
Gallagher will have his eyes for a spot in the national team for the World Cup in November. Tuchel knows he could have a task to keep the young midfielder in his squad. He will be wise to keep the player rather than allowing him to leave.