Everton could be handed a boost in their efforts to lure Conor Gallagher to Goodison Park after reports that Chelsea could offload the England international.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the midfielder during Frank Lampard's tenure in L4. Now, according to the Evening Standard, the Londoners are looking to allow eight players to leave Stamford Bridge in a bid to lighten their squad from 33 members to 25 - and that includes Gallagher.
The 23-year-old spent a successful loan at Crystal Palace during the 2021-22 Premier League campaign and before the current season kicked off was wanted by Lampard. But the then Everton boss always knew Gallagher wanted to remain at Chelsea.
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The player himself told Sky Sports: “It has been good and obviously back at Chelsea, I have got to try and impress and show what I can do, but yeah, so far, so good.
“I loved the Palace fans as well, I just wanted to say that. I loved playing there last season, but I feel like I’m ready to make the step up for Chelsea this season.
“The boss here has said he wants me around and he thinks I’m good enough. Hopefully, I can play a big part this season for Chelsea.”
Gallagher, who has just over two years left on his Chelsea contract, was given game by Thomas Tuchel on his return to the club and has continued to make appearances under new manager Graham Potter.
Despite becoming a regular in Chelsea's squad and expressing his intent to remain in West London, it did not stop Gallagher being linked with Everton again late on during the January transfer window. And now this new report suggests that he could be available in the summer.
The Evening Standard also suggests that Hakim Ziyech could also be sold this summer. The Moroccan, who was apart of his country's history-making squad at the World Cup, was also linked with Everton in January, but appeared to heading for Paris Saint-Germain However, his move to the French capital collapsed.
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