Chelsea could be ready to consider letting a talented midfielder leave on a permanent transfer if the right offer comes in from interested clubs before deadline day.
The Blues have so far had an influx of new signings in their bid to start climbing the table and challenging for a top-four spot, where they are currently a whopping 10 points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United.
Todd Boehly certainly appears to be giving Graham Potter every chance of succeeding after bringing in six new players so this month. And it appears the Chelsea owner is not done just yet, with a new midfielder also on the club’s radar.
Brighton star Moises Caicedo remains one of their top targets, particularly after Benfica blocked any talks for Enzo Fernandez.
However, the focus has now switched to some potential outgoings and Conor Gallagher in particular.
The 22-year-old has not been given regular game time this season. That’s despite his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace last term.
And journalist Ben Jacobs has given an update on the potential of Gallagher moving on before deadline day.
Jacobs states that Potter ideally wants to send the England man out on loan. However, Chelsea could change their tune if an offer in the region of £35-40m comes in.
Palace are once again interested in a loan. But a permanent deal would be off the cards for them at that price.
Newcastle option a dangerous one for Chelsea
That leaves Newcastle as a dangerous alternative, given the funds available to Eddie Howe to build a top-class squad.
Speaking about what the future holds for Gallagher, Jacobs told CaughtOffside: “Chelsea could also be tempted to loan out Conor Gallagher. Depending on what happens in central midfield in the coming days.
“Clubs like Crystal Palace, where he was on loan last season, and, again, Newcastle, would both be interested in Gallagher, so we’ll have to wait and see based on Chelsea’s own movements in the market.
“The club have indicated they’re against a sale. But that could be tested if they were to receive an offer in the region of £35-40m. It’s one to watch in the final few days of the market. Because if Chelsea can get a midfielder in, someone might try a concrete late move for Gallagher, and then Chelsea, unlike last summer, could be tempted to do business there.”
In terms of what makes sense for Chelsea, a loan a further four months of development for Gallagher at Palace looks the right move.
Selling to Newcastle would only strengthen a serious top-four rival in Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Jacobs also revealed that Christian Pulisic could be on his way, although that’s unlikely to be this month.
The USA international has been strongly linked with both Juventus and AC Milan. However, he is currently sidelined with a knee injury and is not expected to return any time soon.
Having been knocked out of the FA Cup, Chelsea are not back in action until next month. They will host London rivals Fulham in the Premier League on February 3.
