Crystal Palace 'love' Conor Gallagher and are 'definitely interested' in sealing the Chelsea midfielder's return to Selhurst Park, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

Eagles boss Patrick Vieira has spent more than £30million on bolstering his squad since the transfer window reopened for business, but he could splash even more cash ahead of the September 1 deadline.

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What's the latest news involving Gallagher?

Gallagher returned to Chelsea in the summer, having spent last season on loan with Palace, but it appears a quickfire move away from Stamford Bridge could be on the cards.

It is understood that the Eagles, along with Newcastle United and West Ham United, have enquired about the 22-year-old's availability.

Palace are reportedly in the market for possible Premier League loans and Vieira has his eyes set firmly on Chelsea as, if they were to bring in midfield reinforcements, the door could be opened for a Gallagher swoop.

However, the Frenchman is facing stiff competition as, according to The Sun, Newcastle have made the central midfielder their number one target ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.

The report suggests that Chelsea rate Gallagher, who has been used sporadically during the early stages of the campaign, at £40million.

What has Tom Barclay said about Gallagher?

Barclay understands that Palace would jump at the chance to seal Gallagher's return if the opportunity were to arise.

However, the journalist believes a hamstring injury to N'Golo Kante, which could keep him on the sidelines for a month, may result in the Chelsea academy graduate remaining in west London.

Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "They obviously love Gallagher from last year and they are definitely interested to see if they can do a deal for him.

"But Kante has got an injury and it sounds like he's going to be out for a month, so this might be the chance for Gallagher to get some game-time at Chelsea. That puts that up in the air."

How did Gallagher perform during his loan spell with Palace?

Gallagher found the back of the net eight times and recorded a further five assists in 39 Palace appearances last season.

Only Wilfried Zaha was more prolific than the loanee, which underlines how important he was during his spell at Selhurst Park, while Vieira described him as 'special'.

Gallagher's form also resulted in him breaking into Gareth Southgate's England plans and he now boasts four international caps.

His efforts allowed him to scoop the Eagles' player of the season gong, as voted by supporters, while he was named the young player of the year at the London Football Awards.