Crystal Palace will be ‘at the front of the queue’ if Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher becomes available, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive loan spell at Selhurst Park last season but has struggled to produce his best form for the Blues in the opening weeks of the current campaign.
What is the latest news involving O’Rourke?
A report from The Times last month revealed that Palace made a bid of around £27 million for Gallagher after intensifying efforts to re-sign the box-to-box dynamo from Chelsea.
However, Eagles manager Patrick Vieira refused to directly address the speculation when quizzed about it in a press conference ahead of deadline day.
“Listen, again, it’s difficult to talk about players who are in another football club,” said the French tactician.
“You mention Conor, Conor is a Chelsea player. Until Chelsea say otherwise there’s no point for us to think about what it may not be possible to do.”
Gallagher ended up staying at Stamford Bridge and put in a handful of underwhelming displays under the tutelage of former manager Thomas Tuchel before Graham Potter replaced him in the dugout.
What has O’Rourke said about Gallagher?
O’Rourke believes that Palace would still ‘love’ to entice Gallagher, who earns £32,000-per-week, back to south London, but their chances may hinge on how Potter plans to use him during his time at Chelsea.
He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure it’s a move that Crystal Palace would love to do. We'll have to wait and see what Graham Potter's plans are for Conor Gallagher.
“Does he see him fitting into his Chelsea side going forward as well? It's a clean slate for Gallagher, and for everybody at Chelsea now under Potter. But if he was to become available, I’m sure Crystal Palace will be right there at the front of the queue.”
How good is Gallagher?
Gallagher enjoyed a real breakout season last term, registering eight goals and five assists in 39 league and cup appearances for Palace, leading to Vieira labelling him "special" and earning him a maiden call-up to the senior England squad.
As per FBref, the 6 foot ace has also ranked in the 92nd percentile for pressures and completed dribbles, 91st for touches in the attacking penalty area, 90th for non-penalty expected goals and progressive passes received and 84th for total shots amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Nevertheless, Gallagher has been subbed off around the hour mark and sent off after just 28 minutes in his three Premier League starts for Chelsea in 2022/23.
If he can’t turn his fortunes around under Potter, then Chelsea may be willing to offload him on a permanent basis, much to Palace’s delight.