Newcastle United could make a fresh attempt to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Deadline day links
The England international established himself in the Premier League during his loan spell at Crystal Palace last season and has continued his impressive form since returning to Stamford Bridge.
The St Jamesâ Park outfit were linked with a move for the 22-year-old on transfer deadline day during the week, despite him not being out of contract until 2025, with the same report from Chronicle Live suggesting that a fee of ÂŁ45m was being demanded by the west London club.
The Magpies seemingly made contact regarding a potential temporary move, but it appears that Graham Potterâs side werenât willing to let the midfielder depart.
The Latest: Newcastle eyeing Gallagher
According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle made âtwo loan enquiriesâ for Gallagher and Sheffield Unitedâs Sander Berge in the closing stages of the January transfer window.
Chelsea âdid not want to dealâ with PIF at the time, but itâs claimed that a move âcould be revisited in the summerâ should Todd Boehly be âprepared to listen to cash offersâ.
Eddie Howeâs side also walked away from negotiations with the Blades after being told that their Norwegian talisman would only be available on a loan with a view to a permanent deal.
The Verdict: Shelvey replacement?
Jonjo Shelvey has now moved on to new pastures at Nottingham Forest, so Newcastle are in need of a long-term midfield successor in a position where they are not blessed with an abundance of options, and Gallagher would appear to be the perfect candidate.
The 22-year-old posted 13 goal contributions during his time at Selhurst Park, winning Palace’s Player of the Season award last year, and he offers versatility with the ability to operate in four different positions (Transfermarkt).
The Chelsea starlet has also been dubbed a âwarriorâ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and with so much still to offer both in and out of possession (he ranks among the top 15% of midfielders in Europe for blocks and successful take-ons), he would be an exciting acquisition if Newcastle were to finally get him later this year.
