Everton could sign Conor Gallagher on loan ahead of next season, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The £42m-rated midfielder has spent the 2021-2022 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, but Crook believes that another Premier League loan might be on the cards next term.

What's the latest news involving Gallagher?

Despite directly contributing to just two top-flight goals since Christmas, it's been a real coming of age season for the Chelsea youngster.

Overall, Gallagher has still scored eight goals and laid on five assists for his teammates, which has helped the Eagles reach the FA Cup semi-finals and challenge for a top-half Premier League finish.

As a result of his form, he's set to return to Chelsea and fight for his place in Thomas Tuchel's squad at Stamford Bridge after contributing to more goals than anyone in Chelsea's midfield besides Mason Mount.

But Crook reckons that should Everton avoid the drop, a loan move to Goodison Park is far from ruled out.

What did Crook say about Gallagher?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "If they do survive, I think Lampard knows they need a rebuild, but he will have to be quite shrewd in the transfer market and maybe use his contacts to get a couple of loans.

"I was told Conor Gallagher possibly could end up there on loan rather than stay at Crystal Palace, to mould the team in his own image."

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Could Everton sign Gallagher in the summer?

If Gallagher decides that he's not going to get the necessary game-time back at Chelsea, then Everton could become an option.

He's already shown the Toffees first-hand what he's capable off, scoring twice in Palace's 3-0 victory against them in December and he would bring some much-needed quality and energy to their midfield.

Furthermore, Everton might be short in the middle. Dele Alli has already been linked with a summer exit, Allan has slipped down the pecking order in recent game, while Fabian Delph is out of contract next month.

Gallagher's future is likely to hinge on whether Tuchel takes a liking to him, though. If the German likes what he sees in pre-season, then he'll surely fight for his place at Chelsea, but otherwise, someone like Everton could definitely come into his thoughts.