Ahead of the September 1st deadline, West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are all trying to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
The England international began the season out of the starting XI under Thomas Tuchel, but has been given starts in the last two Premier League outings against Leeds and Leicester.
However, things have not gone well in those two games whatsoever, which could make Tuchel reconsider whether he actually needs Gallagher.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old was given his starts as a result of injuries to N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
Unfortunately, Gallagher struggled as Leeds romped to a 3-0 win at Elland Road last weekend, but things got worse in this round of Premier League fixtures.
The Chelsea No.23 lasted just 27 minutes before he was given his marching orders by Paul Tierney, after carelessly picking up two yellow cards.
It has not been the greatest first impression in the starting XI for Gallagher under Tuchel – now, David Moyes, Eddie Howe and Patrick Vieira may feel a bit more encouraged about luring him away from Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher set for Crystal Palace over West Ham or Newcastle
If Gallagher does leave west London before the September 1st deadline, it looks very likely that he will return to Selhurst Park.
Journalist Graeme Bailey believes the Chelsea academy graduate will return to south London if he does become available, and aside from his claims, it makes the most sense for the player himself.
Gallagher will surely want to go to the World Cup with England this November, and having already proven himself at Crystal Palace – a side who know how to use him properly – his best bet of doing so is by returning to SE25.
The Epsom-born midfielder won all of his four England caps while starring under Vieira, who deployed him more as a second striker rather than in defensive midfield, the position Tuchel is bizarrely using him in.
Keep an eye on this situation, as Gallagher’s future is clouded in uncertainty.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
