Crystal Palace have reportedly been waiting all summer to find out if Chelsea will offload Conor Gallagher during this window.
According to the Daily Mail, Premier League side Palace have purposely kept their transfer business relatively quiet so far this summer in case Gallagher becomes available.
It is understood Patrick Vieira’s side are going to head the race to sign the 22-year-old if a Stamford Bridge exit is on the cards, with Newcastle United and West Ham also potential buyers.
The report names the Chelsea man as a £35million midfielder whose long-term future under Blues manager Thomas Tuchel is “unclear”.
Palace waiting for Conor Gallagher
As it stands, Gallagher does firmly seem part of Chelsea’s first-team plans this campaign. He’s featured in all three of their opening Premier League games, including a start in the weekend’s defeat at Leeds United.
It’s been claimed this month that the Blues have told potential suitors that the England international won’t be allowed to go before this window closes on 1 September.
Palace appear to be holding on to hope they may change their mind, though.
The early signs are that Gallagher’s not a natural fit for the system Chelsea boss Tuchel likes to play because the same kind of box-to-box midfield role he played last season doesn’t exist.
He was superb as a midfield No.8 last season during a one-year loan at Palace, which is why it’s no surprise they’re patient in trying to sign him.
However, plenty of the Chelsea fanbase would love to see a change in system to get the best out of the club’s attackers. In addition, it could open up a spot that fits Gallagher better if Tuchel is willing to consider it.
If the Chelsea boss insists on keeping the current formation, Gallagher will have plenty of work to do adapting his game to a double pivot in midfield.
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