Chelsea have every ambition of retaining Conor Gallagher’s services permanently, permitted his spell with Crystal Palace goes according to plan.
This is according to Eurosport, who claim Gallagher is one of the few loanees the Blues intend to reintegrate into Thomas Tuchel’s squad next year.
Over 20 players on Chelsea’s books were sprinkled across the continent in the summer, stretching from Birmingham to Besiktas, Milan to Moscow.
Several remained much closer to home, including Gallagher, who made the short trip across the capital to join Palace.
Life in South East London has been extremely kind to the 21-year-old.
After making a spirited start, the midfielder transferred his energy into goals.
Two to be precise, both against West Ham United in the final Premier League game before the international break.
His efforts were recognised by earning Palace’s Player of the Month prize for August.
Getting Gallagher back
Gallagher made sure the award was justified with another, all-action display at home to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
He grabbed an assist and Selhurst Park’s heart for helping overcome their local rivals.
“He was my man of the match today, he was immense, energy against people but he’s got the legs to get around people and a great assist,” said Rio Ferdinand after the match.
Maintain this form throughout the campaign and Chelsea will have no choice but to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.
Which is exactly their strategy, say Eurosport.
If the Blues do not retain Saul Niguez’s services beyond his loan spell, then a space might open up for Gallagher in Tuchel’s team.
But that will leave a question mark over Billy Gilmour’s future, who is currently also out on loan.
There could well be a straight shoot for a place at Chelsea between the two young talents when June comes around.