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Transfer news: Conor Gallagher not keen on Newcastle United amid Joe Willock uncertainty

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Image for Transfer news: Conor Gallagher not keen on Newcastle United amid Joe Willock uncertainty

Conor Gallagher is set to snub offers to leave Chelsea this summer and will try and work his way into Thomas Tuchel’s squad next season amid interest from Newcastle United. 

What is the latest Newcastle United transfer news?

The Sun claim Newcastle are on ‘alert’ over a potential deal to bring the 21-year-old up to Tyneside and are interested in either a loan or a permanent move.

Indeed, Gallagher was strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park during last year’s delayed summer transfer window after being impressed with his performances at Swansea City and Charlton on loan during the 2019/20 campaign. However, despite The Magpies’ seemingly long-standing interest, Gallagher is keen to have a crack at trying to convince Tuchel he still has a role to play at Stamford Bridge.

Would this be a blow?

Absolutely.

Prior to Joe Willock’s arrival, the lack of dynamism in midfield was widely lamented and, given it’s unclear as to whether or not the Arsenal loanee will return next season, Gallagher could have been a good option to replace him.

Despite the problems at West Bromwich Albion this season, Gallagher has averaged 2.7 tackles per game (via WhoScored) as well as 2.3 dribbles over the same period which would actually see him rank first and second in the Newcastle squad respectively. While he hasn’t been as prolific as Willock, Gallagher has scored twice while laying as many assists this season in a low-scoring side, meaning he’s been directly involved in 12.5% of the Baggies’ 32 Premier League goals this season.

Averaging 1.1 shots per game too, only three Toon players can better that this season, so Gallagher would appear to be the kind of box-to-box midfielder Steve Bruce was painfully lacking before Willock signed.

Now, Newcastle could be in a nightmare position where neither Willock nor Gallagher are available this summer, presumably meaning the club would have to go back to the drawing board when it comes to looking for players to strengthen that part of the engine room.

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