Newcastle United are interested in signing Conor Gallagher on a season-long loan deal, sources have told Nothing But Newcastle.
What’s the latest Newcastle United transfer news?
While midfield was not thought to have been much of a priority this summer following the January addition of Bruno Guimaraes, the ever-changing situation at Chelsea could see Newcastle move for the England international.
Gallagher thrived on loan at Crystal Palace last season and had been tipped to break into the first-team at Stamford Bridge, although is yet to start this season. Clearly, these are early days in the campaign, although the fact the World Cup is fast-approaching complicates matters.
The 22-year-old is eager to bank as much first-team football as possible in order to push for a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad. For their part, Chelsea want to keep their academy graduate, and it remains to see if Gallagher would push for a move.
Everton, West Ham and Palace would all offer rival interest should he do so.
Would Gallagher be a good signing for Newcastle?
Eddie Howe has plenty of options in central areas, though a player of Gallagher’s quality would surely raise the level of most teams outside of the true elite.
According to FBREF data, the Chelsea man averaged amongst the leading 80% of midfielders playing across Europe’s big five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions (2.84), non-penalty goals (0.25) and shots (1.64) per game.
Given Newcastle’s lack of regular firepower outside of Callum Wilson, that kind of drive from a deeper area could be a huge help.
What has Gallagher said about his future?
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website in June, Gallagher said: “It’s been unreal but the season has just finished and I’ve come straight here with England so I know it’s boring but I’ve not thought about it.”
