Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Crystal Palace plot late move for Conor Gallagher after tough start to life in Chelsea team

Crystal Palace are considering a late move for Conor Gallagher before the transfer window shuts on Thursday - but Chelsea are reluctant to lose the midfielder despite his indifferent start to the season.

West Ham, Newcastle and Everton are also interested in a loan deal for Gallagher, who Chelsea have previously valued at £50million.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a brilliant season on loan at Palace last season and the Eagles hope to persuade him that a return to Selhurst Park will help his chances of being named in the England squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter.

Gallagher has started the past two matches for Chelsea but had to apologise to his team-mates and fans after being sent off for two yellow cards in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leicester.

He also struggled in the 3-0 defeat at Leeds but Thomas Tuchel does not want to lose him, with N’Golo Kante dogged by fitness issues and facing a month out injured.

The latest injury for Kante has left Chelsea short of midfield options and Tuchel sees Gallagher as the most like-for-like replacement for the France World Cup winner.

Tuchel also has plans to switch formation to play four at the back, which could see Gallagher played in his preferred No8 position, having mostly lined up as a No6 this season.

Amid Palace interest in Gallagher, Chelsea have expressed an interest in Wilfried Zaha.

Zaha is in the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park and has been identified as an alternative option if Chelsea do not sign Anthony Gordon.

Palace are reluctant to sell their star player so late in the transfer window but their interest in Gallagher means there could be talks between the two clubs in the coming days.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.