Liverpool have been told to beat Crystal Palace to the signing of Conor Gallagher before the transfer window deadline slams shut this evening. The 22-year-old has been thinly linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer following an impressive loan spell at Selhurst Park last season.
Gallagher, who sees his contract with the Blues expire in 2025, featured 34 times for the Eagles, directly contributing to 11 goals. His impressive displays steered Palace within touching distance of a top-ten finish, while also catching the attention of Thomas Tuchel.
The England international has started just twice for the west Londoners this season as a result, though he's yet to reproduce the rich form he enjoyed under Vieira. After an element of doubt was cast over his future at Chelsea following a red card against Leicester City and with the transfer window deadline fast-approaching, Palace reportedly tabled a bid for the Cobham graduate.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
According to The Times, the Eagles tabled an opening bid of £27million. It's said that the offer was to test the waters - it was quickly rejected by the Blues hierarchy nonetheless, especially seeing as Gallagher is valued closer to £43million by CIES Football Observatory.
With interest in the midfielder building, Liverpool have been told to swoop in and complete a deal of their own. Jurgen Klopp has an ageing midfield at his disposal and, with a lot of fixtures to be played, Gallagher could suit the German 'rock and roll' philosophy well.
Speaking to BoyleSports, Jose Enrique said: "Liverpool definitely need a midfielder. I love Matheus Nunes, who just signed for Wolves and it's a mistake that Liverpool didn't go for him.
"They're talking about Caicedo from Brighton, but I like Conor Gallagher from Chelsea," the former Reds defender said. "He could be going back to Crystal Palace but I like him a lot, he will be a good player and Liverpool should try and sign him before the deadline.
"Next year Liverpool will go for someone like Jude Bellingham but right now there's not a lot of options. For me, I love Gallagher from Chelsea."
READ NEXT:
Thomas Tuchel new Chelsea attack if £22m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer is confirmed
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel responds to Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer talk
Chelsea must spend £18m more to sign Ivan Toney over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea transfer business under the microscope in 'good deal' or 'bad deal'