Crystal Palace would be interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in January, believes The Sun's Tom Barclay.

However, the journalist would not be surprised to see the 22-year-old remain at Stamford Bridge and play a big role under new manager Graham Potter.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving Gallagher?

Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was skeptical about Gallagher.

The England international has had a difficult start to the season, with Tuchel watching him get sent off in the 2-1 win over Leicester City last month after he picked up two yellow cards in the first half.

The form he is showing right now is in stark contrast to what Palace supporters saw last term when he was on loan at Selhurst Park.

Gallagher was excellent for Patrick Vieira's side, making 34 league appearances and scoring eight goals.

What has Barclay said about Gallagher and Palace?

Barclay can see Gallagher having a part to play under Potter this season. If not, though, The Sun journalist thinks Palace and sporting director Dougie Freedman could register an interest in re-signing him when the transfer window is open again.

Speaking to GMS, he said: "I wouldn't be surprised that come January, we're not even talking about this as a possible transfer because he's become a big part of Graham Potter's plans.

"But obviously, if that doesn't prove to be the case and he is out of the picture, then a player of that quality, particularly being an England international, if he became available, then you'd be pretty certain that Palace would be interested."

Will Gallagher be available in January?

It is too early to say. While Tuchel may have had his doubts, he was still using Gallagher, so it would not have been a shock to have seen the German retain him.

However, with a new manager in charge, a lot is still up in the air. If he impresses Potter, then his future may very well still be at Chelsea. If not, then a return to Palace certainly could be a possibility.

At the end of the last transfer window, the Evening Standard reported that the south London club were considering a late swoop for Gallagher.

According to the newspaper, Chelsea have previously valued the England star at £50m. Would Palace be prepared to pay that? Probably not, but if he is not getting the amount of game time he wants and fancies a move, perhaps another loan deal can be worked out.