West Bromwich Albion are once again hoping to sign Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher despite seeing a move blocked back in January, according to the Birmingham Mail.
History is littered with footballers who, despite looking head and shoulders above their peers at youth level, simply couldn’t make the step up to the men’s game.
All the signs suggest that Gallagher, however, is going to be a star rather than a mere statistic in the professional game.
Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year in 2019, the Epsom-born 20-year-old headed out on loan last summer to make a name for himself amidst the thistles and the weeds of the Championship.
Gallagher produced six goals and 11 assists during spells at Charlton and Swansea City, catching the eye with the perfectly-timed forward bursts which have drawn comparisons with the man currently in Chelsea’s dugout – a certain Frank Lampard.
The England U21 international is now ready for a chance in the big time and West Brom will be hoping that, eight months after missing out to Swansea, they can finally reach an agreement with Chelsea.
A lack of guaranteed game-time was the reason why Gallagher did not move to The Hawthorns in January.
And, with Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers firmly established as Slaven Bilic’s first-choice midfield duo, Chelsea may have similar reservations.
Then again, with West Brom struggling to tie up a deal which would see Benfica’s Filip Krovinovic return for a second spell in the Midlands, there is a ‘number ten’ role with Gallagher’s name on it this time around.
The Sun claims that Chelsea value Gallagher at £10 million, although a loan deal is more likely at present.
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