£35m man must regret not joining Crystal Palace or Everton after big announcement – Our View

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Throughout the summer, Crystal Palace and Everton made attempts to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.

The Blues slapped a £35m price tag on their academy graduate, and he eventually remained at Stamford Bridge despite strong interest in his signature – Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa were also interested.

Sadly, things have not gone too well for Gallagher at Stamford Bridge so far this season.

The 22-year-old was sent off after just 27 minutes against Leicester, while Thomas Tuchel was also seen screaming at him during the 2-1 win over West Ham.

Now, things have got worse.

What’s the story?

Well, Gallagher – a regular in the England squad while thriving on loan at Crystal Palace last season – has now been dropped by Gareth Southgate ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Italy and Germany.

The Chelsea No.23 earned four caps last season in a campaign where he was named Player of the Year at Selhurst Park, having scored eight goals in 34 Premier League appearances – he also provided three assists.

In our view, Gallagher probably regrets not returning to Crystal Palace after his international exclusion, while his chances of retaining his place also would’ve been strong under Frank Lampard at Everton.

Unless he experiences a rapid turnaround under Graham Potter, it now looks as if Gallagher will not be travelling to the World Cup with the Three Lions this November, something which seemed a certainty during his time in south London.

Crystal Palace & Everton must stay alert

If Gallagher continues to struggle at Chelsea, even after the arrival of Potter, then Crystal Palace and Everton should try their luck once again in the January transfer window.

The Epsom-born midfielder is too good to be sat on the bench at Stamford Bridge, and we presume he would ask to leave in search of regular first-team football if the situation doesn’t change.

Gallagher has already said that he loves Crystal Palace and their supporters since returning to Chelsea, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see him return to SE25 if his nightmare in west London continues.