Crystal Palace are still ‘interested’ in a move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as the January window enters its final stages, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs throughout the winter, but it currently seems as though he is set to remain at Stamford Bridge until at least the summer.
Crystal Palace transfer news – Conor Gallagher
Fabrizio Romano revealed on January 30th that Everton had submitted a bid totalling £45 million for Gallagher after selling Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.
However, David Ornstein of The Athletic has since claimed that the England international is now ‘staying at Chelsea’ barring a ‘late twist’ as they don’t want to send him out on loan again and the bids they have received have not matched their valuation.
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has also stated recently that Everton are just one of multiple clubs who are eager to secure Gallagher’s services, though, with Newcastle and Palace also named among his potential suitors.
The Eagles may feel confident of securing the box-to-box dynamo’s signature ahead of their Premier League rivals given he enjoyed a productive loan spell at the club last season.
Gallagher bagged eight goals in 39 appearances under Patrick Vieira throughout 2022/23, providing a further five assists for his teammates.
What has Phillips said about Gallagher?
Phillips has told GMS that Chelsea won’t sanction Gallagher’s exit until they have secured the signature of Enzo Fernandez, but that Palace are still waiting in the wings for him.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
He said: “Crystal Palace are interested still, in a loan, but Chelsea, at the moment, won't sanction that until they've got Enzo in or another midfielder.
“But they weren't keen on a loan anyway, they'd rather have a permanent sale, but it is one to still keep an eye on.”
Who have Crystal Palace signed in January?
Palace are set to sign Stuttgart midfielder Naouirou Ahamada in a £9.7 million deal, providing a much-needed boost to Vieira’s stuttering side.
Arsenal youngster Albert Sambi Lokongo is also expected to join the south London outfit on loan until the end of the season once the final details have been agreed between the two capital clubs.
The Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel has claimed that Palace still ‘have their eye’ on one more Premier League loan signing, though.
Mokbel also states that the potential deal is ‘dependent on the selling club getting an incoming over the line’ first, in what will come as a promising development for Palace’s Gallagher pursuit.