Crystal Palace are set to make a final move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this month, according to The Sun.
The youngster enjoyed a successful loan spell at Selhurst Park last term and won the club’s Player of the Season award after making 39 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old, who was described as a ‘monster’ by Palace-supporting journalist Tom Dutton, returned to Stamford Bridge last summer but has struggled to nail down a regular starting role under Graham Potter.
Palace made a formal offer to sign the England international in the summer, and it looks as if another bid could be tabled by Dougie Freedman and Steve Parish over the coming weeks.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon shared a story late on Saturday night regarding Gallagher and Palace. He said that the Eagles will make ‘one final bid’ for the midfielder, with Patrick Vieira keen on a reunion with the 22-year-old in south London.
Palace’s ‘money men would find the funds’ for such a move, although it is believed that Gallagher is still committed to Chelsea.
TIF thoughts on possible Gallagher move…
Gallagher appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €32m (£28.4m) Transfermarkt valuation and can play in a variety of midfield roles. He has had recent success with the Eagles, so you can see why Vieira is interested in bringing him back to Selhurst Park.
Primarily a central midfielder, Palace have just Will Hughes and James McArthur as options in that area at this moment in time.
Based on their respective WhoScored ratings at the club last season (Gallagher 7.09, McArthur 6.83, Hughes 6.53), you could say that the Chelsea man would be an upgrade on the pair both in the short-term and long run following his fine form at Selhurst Park in 2021/22, so hopefully a move can gather pace before the end of the month.