Cheick Doucoure rumour may suggest Conor Gallagher is heading back to Palace – Our View

Follow us on Google Discover

According to The Athletic, Patrick Vieira plans to use Cheick Doucoure as a lone No.6, which could see Conor Gallagher return to Crystal Palace.

What’s the story?

Well, the south Londoners finally announced the signing of the Mali international yesterday, who moves to Selhurst Park from RC Lens in a deal worth £21m.

Vieira clearly has a lot of faith in Doucoure.

It has been said that the Frenchman believes his latest recruit will shine in the Premier League, and if The Athletic are to be trusted, he even thinks the 22-year-old is good enough to protect the backline singlehandedly.

The Athletic add that Vieira plans to use two attacking No.8s ahead of Doucoure, and we believe one of those deployed ahead of the Malian will be Ebere Eze.

In our view, that leaves space for Gallagher to return to SE25, where he shone on loan from Chelsea last season.

The 22-year-old became an England international during his spell with the Eagles last term, scoring eight goals while also providing five assists from midfield.

At times, Gallagher was unable to go forward, as he was required to drop back and get stuck into midfield battles.

However, if Doucoure really is good enough to mop things up on his own, then we could see Gallagher score even more goals next season – should he return to Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace must try to re-sign Conor Gallagher

In our view, Vieira must bring Gallagher back, if a deal with Chelsea is possible.

Whether it is on loan, or a permanent move, he seems to be the next – and most realistic – option out there.

There was interest in Flynn Downes, although West Ham hijacked that move, which led to Vieira moving onto a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.

However, Everton have already seen a £20m bid rejected, with Wolves holding out for £30m.

In our view, that is far too much, so another loan deal for Gallagher should now be the objective.

If it materialises, then Crystal Palace would have a simply outstanding midfield trio of Doucoure, Eze and Gallagher.

With the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise ahead of them, the south Londoners are quickly becoming one of the most exciting sides in the Premier League.