Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has now chosen to turn down his deadline day transfer to Everton. New Toffees boss Sean Dyche identified the England international as his target.
That is according to Sky Sports, which reports Everton made Chelsea an offer of £40m for a transfer on Monday. But Gallagher has decided that he does not want a move to Goodison Park this month. Yet he could still leave Stamford Bridge with Newcastle United interested.
The Magpies remain in the market for the Blues product as Eddie Howe strives to sign new midfielders on Tyneside. Although Newcastle are only chasing an initial loan swoop for the 22-year-old, which club chiefs in west London oppose as they only want a permanent sale.
Chelsea have so far priced Newcastle out of the market for a permanent move, hence their loan bid for Gallagher. Yet the Blues are against sending the midfielder to St James’ Park in anything but a permanent deal as they consider the Magpies a direct rival for the top four.
Everton were prepared to meet Chelsea’s request for the permanent transfer of Gallagher to sign him on deadline day. Sky Sports also reports that the Toffees made a £40m bid, plus add-ons, after Dyche identified the four-cap technician as an ideal target after taking over.
Gallagher has an uncertain future at Chelsea after rejecting a transfer to Everton
Dyche believes Gallagher can help to take Everton’s midfield to another level if they secure his transfer from Chelsea. The Daily Mail also reports that the Blues are looking to sell their academy graduate on deadline day. Stamford Bridge chiefs are eager to recoup some fees.
But Gallagher does not believe a move to Everton would be the right option for him. So, he has now rejected their transfer approach. Yet it remains to be seen if he will now stay with Graham Potter’s team, push for a move elsewhere or if Dyche will table an improved offer.
Potter has only started Gallagher in six of a possible 14 top-flight games since he took over at Stamford Bridge. He has also only started the £50k-a-week ace twice over the Blues’ six games since the World Cup. The midfielder has played a further seven times off the bench.
Gallagher had a more important role in west London under Thomas Tuchel, who called him ‘extraordinary and outstanding’ last April. Across the Blues’ six Premier League games with the German in charge this season, the midfielder started in three of his five appearances.
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