Cash-rich Premier League club Newcastle United are reportedly primed to step up their interest to try sign Chelsea player Conor Gallagher.
According to The Sun, Newcastle have made the 22-year-old Blues midfielder their priority target and want to get him through the doors at St James’ Park before the summer transfer window shuts.
It is understood that the Magpies are turning attention towards Gallagher due to their “slim hopes” of signing alternative target James Maddison from Leicester City.
The report says Eddie Howe’s side will increase efforts to try persuade Chelsea into selling their £40million-rated central midfielder.
Newcastle step up Conor Gallagher interest
It looks like Newcastle are still in the market to make a marquee signing this summer, something that Gallagher certainly would be.
The England international is a part of Chelsea’s first team at the start of this new campaign due to his impressive form out on loan with Crystal Palace last season.
Described as “fantastic” by Palace manager Patrick Vieira, Gallagher bossed plenty of games last year in the Premier League.
However, there’s a massive challenge for him to gain regular minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle, along with Palace and West Ham, have all reportedly made enquiries recently for Gallagher.
The latest rumour suggests it’s the Toon that are desperate to get him, though.
Gallagher previously said it’s his intention to stay in the Chelsea squad to challenge himself against the best, but you’ve got to wonder if he’s tempted to change his mind when he looks at the current midfield pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.
It’ll be intriguing to see if the youngster gets any significant minutes in today’s important league showdown at home to Tottenham because these are the kind of games he’ll want to be involved in.
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