Chelsea: FFP problems could help Newcastle in transfer swoop

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Financial Fair Play (FFP) has been a thorn in Newcastle United’s side since the takeover.

While that’s not to suggest the club haven’t been able to spend money of course but Eddie Howe has constantly made reference to the fact FFP restrictions are something Newcastle have to deal with.

Indeed, before the club start to raise more revenue off the pitch, it seems as if they will not be able shake the looming threat of it.

So then, it’s strange to see how the club may not benefit from it elsewhere.

Conor Gallagher could be sold by Chelsea

On Monday, Chelsea announced a loss of £121.3m and could now be forced into selling players as a result.

According to The Sun, The Blues could be forced into selling Conor Gallagher as they deal with FFP concerns of their own.

The England midfielder has consistently been linked with a move to St James’ Park as Howe looks to strengthen his options in the middle of the park.

Any money received for Gallagher, along with the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount, would register on Chelsea’s balance sheet as pure profit by virtue of the fact they are academy graduates and cost the club nothing.

Chelsea’s loss could be Newcastle’s gain

While Gallagher is perhaps not the traditional No.6 Jonjo Shelvey was before his injury and exit, that’s not to say he would be a bad signing.

Newcastle do lack options in midfield and Gallagher – hailed as “fantastic” by Blues boss Graham Potter – could be a logical addition.

Young enough to grow under Howe’s watch and boasting some big experience already, the 22-year-old might not directly replace Shelvey but perhaps could offer competition to the likes of Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in a more box-to-box role.

In order to free Guimaraes from the defensive shackles he’s had to play with this season, another signing probably needs to be made.

Still, with Newcastle likely playing European football in some capacity at least next season, having a player like Gallagher to call on could help balance the workload.