Crystal Palace have reportedly kept up their pursuit of Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher.
According to The Athletic, Palace’s ‘persistent interest’ in Gallagher has not yet faded, as they look to reshape Patrick Vieira’s squad ahead of next season.
The Eagles have kept their eye on Chelsea’s academy product for a while and could well move in for him whilst the summer window remains open.
Gallagher spent all of the previous term on-loan with relegated West Bromwich Albion.
Despite the Baggies misgivings, the 21-year-old stood out from his senior peers, showing grit and fight where others lost the battle.
He played under two managers, Sam Allardyce and Slaven Bilic, earning great praise from the latter for his performance against Sheffield United last November.
“He has a bit of everything,” said Bilic to Sky Sports about Gallagher.
“Not a bit of everything, he’s got a lot of everything.
“He’s young, he’s enthusiastic, he’s got legs, he can take the ball.
“He’s good at defending, he’s calm on the ball, he’s energetic, he loves getting into the box.”
Neither Bilic nor Allardyce could keep West Brom afloat, yet Gallagher’s stock sailed upwards.
Now back with Chelsea for pre-season training, the midfielder can demonstrate to Thomas Tuchel his talents in the flesh.
With Billy Gilmour playing for Norwich City, there is a space in the team for another off the Cobham production line to fill.
Of course, Gallagher is not the only one fighting for this position.
Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Danny Drinkwater are all in the same boat.