Chelsea have slapped a £45million price tag on long-term Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher ahead of deadline day.
With Eddie Howe making it clear that Newcastle were looking at loan options going into the final day of trading, Gallagher's future was cast into doubt after the Blues swooped for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez. The Magpies were interested in a loan for Gallagher at the start of the season but nothing materialised.
Since then Newcastle have overtaken Chelsea in the race for Champions League football with United seven places ahead of the London club and 10 points clear. One Stamford Bridge source suggested on the eve of deadline day that Chelsea aren't likely to make it easy for rival clubs to land their players and make Graham Potter's task of getting to the top four even harder.
READ MORE: Newcastle United notebook: Hectic deadline day amid unexpected cash windfall after sell-on clause
But Chelsea must also balance the books a little if they do end up signing World Cup star Fernandez at a British record £105.6m. But Newcastle would have a decision to make going into the final day of trading. Everton denied a bid last night while Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest were also linked.
Karl Darlow
The long-serving keeper was set to join Hull City after Newcastle United's semi-final against Southampton tonight. A six-month deal has been agreed for days and Darlow is set to get regular football after barely being used this season.
Newcastle will use Loris Karius and Martin Dubravka as back-up options for the remainder of the campaign. Dubravka was the first decision of the January window when Howe recalled him from Manchester United.
Allan Saint-Maximin
Howe stated he was "not for sale" in the build-up to deadline day after AC Milan supremo Paolo Maldini made an enquiry last week. The Italy legend was unable to raise the funds to buy AS Roma's out of favour playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo last week at £30million.
And Saint-Maximin who is valued at more than £30million appears to be out of Milan's price range. Howe stated the winger was "integral" to his plans yesterday.
Harrison Ashby
A deal was in place for the West Ham defender after talks yesterday and the fee could be as low as £3million. The youngster would provide back-up for Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo.
READ NEXT
- Wembley hotels inundated, Howe's Sir Bobby Robson moment and Pope record
- Adam Armstrong gives Southampton verdict after Newcastle left Saints rattled
Win a £500 Voucher in our Star of Qatar World Cup January transfer window competition
- Eddie Howe's Newcastle United semi-final warning after 'delicate' first leg
- Bruno Guimaraes sends dressing room message as Newcastle United eye Wembley
- Newcastle United revamp their scouting network as Dan Ashworth masterplan takes shape
