Tony Cascarino thinks Thomas Tuchel has told Chelsea ‘we need’ Conor Gallagher amid summer interest from Aston Villa and Everton, as he told talkSPORT.
The 22-year-old was loaned out to Crystal Palace last season and his performances in the middle of the park left many impressed.
That’s why former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is trying to lure him to Goodison Park, whilst Aston Villa manager, Steven Gerrard, is a ‘big fan’ of the all-action midfielder.
Chelsea are currently on their pre-season tour of America and Gallagher is with the main squad as they prepare for the new Premier League season.
Whilst Gallagher has been loaned out for the past two seasons, Cascarino can’t see it happening again, as he praised the goalscoring qualities in his game.
“Chelsea would have watched him all season,” said Cascarino. “It has to be Thomas Tuchel said ‘get him in, we need him in this year. He is playing for us’.
“The fact that he is in the squad. It’s a big plus for Conor Gallagher. There aren’t many goalscoring midfielders who can break into positions, get goals and be a really good finisher.
“I think Chelsea need that. They need that Frank Lampard type because he is brilliant at doing that. He loves to get in-behind centre-halves and end up being inside the 18-yard box.
“And he will be a big firm favourite with Chelsea fans. He just needs the games. Getting in front of a guy who has 40-50 international caps at Chelsea is a tricky one. He will get goals.”
GALLAGHER DESERVES CHELSEA CHANCE
There is a fair bit of competition in the middle of the park at Chelsea, with Mason Mount the creative force for Tuchel.
Both Mount and Gallagher are of a similar ilk and it might be a case of the duo fighting for the same spots next season.
Although, as Gallagher proved at Palace under Patrick Vieira, he does have the capabilities to play deeper in midfield.
Either way, after becoming an England international during the past 12 months and taking his game to another level, he now deserves his chance at Stamford Bridge.
It would be a blow to the likes of Villa and Everton because Gallagher would improve both teams if he were to join them this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
