Alan Shearer has named Conor Gallagher in his Team of the Season so far on the Premier League’s website. The on-loan Crystal Palace star has sparkled, and even reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle United.
Gallagher, 21, has been in stunning form since joining the club from Chelsea on loan. Earning an England cap, the midfielder has had a hand in 10 goals during 19 games – scoring six, and creating four more.
Newcastle have been linked with numerous players over the last few months, since a £305million Saudi-backed takeover. Gallagher is one of those names, The Mail saying Newcastle had Gallagher on their radar.
Choosing his Team of the Season so far at this halfway point of the season, Shearer included Gallagher in his side. Of course, it could be that Newcastle intensify their interest at the end of the season – when his Palace loan ends.
“In midfield, I’m going with Conor Gallagher,” Shearer said. “On loan from Chelsea, up to now, he’s been a main driving force in that Crystal Palace team. Everyone has been impressed with the way he has played.”
Shearer on Gallagher: Would midfielder join Newcastle?
There is zero chance that Gallagher joins Newcastle in the January window. In the summer, he is expected to return to Palace, with no permanent clause inserted in his current loan. It depends what Chelsea are planning.
He has certainly done enough to earn a place in Chelsea’s squad going forward under Thomas Tuchel. But given the level of quality in Chelsea’s midfield, will he play regularly? If that is not the case, he might depart.
Of course, Newcastle would have to remain in the Premier League for Gallagher to even consider a move. But there is no doubt that they have the pull, financially and in terms of offering Gallagher a starting role.
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