Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is a 'huge fan' of Conor Gallagher and the Chelsea star would be the 'perfect fit' for his side at Selhurst Park, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The central midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Eagles last season, scoring eight goals and registering a further five assists in 39 outings, but he is back at Stamford Bridge.
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What's the latest news involving Gallagher?
Gallagher's hopes of heading to the World Cup later this year suffered a blow when he was overlooked by England boss Gareth Southgate for the squad to face Italy and Germany during the current international break.
Instead, the Chelsea man has dropped into the under-21 squad and will be looking to turn the Three Lions chief's head before the November flight to Qatar.
Palace looked to lure Gallagher back to Selhurst Park by submitting a £27million bid during the final days of the summer transfer window.
However, a move failed to come to fruition as, amid additional interest from Newcastle United, Chelsea were seeking £40million.
West Ham United also set their sights on striking a late deal and were keen to negotiate a season-long loan move to the London Stadium, but Gallagher remained with the Blues.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about Gallagher?
O'Rourke believes Palace manager Vieira is an admirer of Gallagher and, having worked with him last season, will be desperate to seal a reunion.
The journalist feels a return to south London makes sense if the 22-year-old is not at the forefront of Chelsea boss Graham Potter's plans.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "Vieira is a huge fan of Gallagher and we saw how well he did at Crystal Palace last season as well.
"It would be a perfect fit for everybody, I think, if Crystal Palace were able to sign Gallagher if he's not going to figure in Chelsea's plans."
Is a January deal for Gallagher likely?
It will come down to whether Gallagher is able to convince Potter, who was appointed as Chelsea's head coach following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel earlier this month, that he deserves to be a regular starter at Stamford Bridge.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion chief has only been at the helm for one fixture so far - against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League group stage - and Gallagher was restricted to a nine-minute cameo appearance.
Although the energetic midfielder has been handed five Premier League involvements since the season got underway, he has already been sent off once, so an eventual return to Palace should not be ruled out.