Patrick Vieira has told Conor Gallagher he must join a club he will play ‘week after week’ for if the reported Everton transfer target does not return to Crystal Palace, via talkSPORT.
Gallagher has been sensational so far this season after joining the Eagles from Chelsea on loan last year. The 22-year-old is among the Premier League’s top goalscoring midfielders with eight. Only Bruno Fernandes (9) has hit the net more often from a central position.
His performances at Selhurst Park have also returned three assists and convinced Gareth Southgate to award Gallagher his England debut. The Epsom-born talent featured off the bench at San Marino in November as a half-time substitute. He has 13-caps at U21s level.
Gallagher struck his most recent Crystal Palace goal to help Vieira’s side beat Watford 4-1 on Wednesday night. He now has more top-flight goals so far this season than any of the midfielders at Chelsea. Mason Mount is also their outright top-scorer with seven so far.
Lampard holds Chelsea talks over Everton transfer for Gallagher
New Everton boss Frank Lampard has already been in touch with his former side, Chelsea, to discuss a transfer for Gallagher at the end of his Crystal Palace loan. That’s according to TEAMtalk, who report Lampard wanted to place the Toffees at the front of any queue.
Lampard knows Gallagher well from his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, but could face serious competition for his signature. The Sun reported Paris Saint-Germain considered a shock £50m move in January. While the Daily Star report Thomas Tuchel wants him back.
Tuchel is looking forward to welcoming Gallagher back to west London as he bids to rebuild their midfield. Chelsea will also listen to offers for Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in order to clear space for Gallagher’s return. He is under contract at the Bridge until 2025.
Vieira tells Everton target Gallagher to join club he’ll play ‘week after week’
Crystal Palace boss Vieira believes Gallagher must choose carefully where he plays next season, amid the potential of a return to Chelsea or a loan transfer to Lampard’s Everton. As while he is a Blues player, the England international must focus on securing game time.
“Conor, I believe when you are looking at the way he is playing, is really happy in our football club,” Vieira said. “He knows how important he is for the team and the football club. He is enjoying his game.
“For a player like that, what is important is to keep playing week after week because that will allow him to improve. I think we give him the support he needs for him to be on the field and to express his talent.”
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