Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign Conor Gallagher this month, and that is a move that Ally McCoist would approve of.
It was reported on Monday night by the Telegraph that the 22-year-old is one of three Chelsea players who are currently on the Magpies’ radar. The other two who Eddie Howe is looking at are Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Hakim Ziyech.
They would all be welcome additions at St James’ Park, but Gallagher would surely be most fans’ first choice.
He has been heavily linked with signing for Newcastle in recent years. Steve Bruce wanted him on multiple occasions, while he was also the subject of interest at the start of the current season.
But Gallagher remained at Chelsea, who are currently struggling in the Premier League. It has led to an influx of new signings at Stamford Bridge, which could force Graham Potter to move some players on.
The Blues might be reluctant to lose Gallagher given that he is a homegrown player, but he certainly fits the bill of someone who could thrive on Tyneside.
Pundit Ally McCoist agrees, and thinks the England international and Newcastle could be a ‘perfect’ match.
Ally McCoist on Conor Gallagher to Newcastle rumour
The former Rangers striker has been speaking on TalkSPORT about Gallagher possibly signing for Newcastle during the January transfer window.
“Conor Gallagher is the kind of player I think Newcastle would be going for,” he said.
“Young, hungry, the way he plays the game. As I said earlier, I think the Newcastle fans would absolutely take to him. He’s all-energy, high intensity, great effort. Perfect.”
McCoist is right about Gallagher
The January transfer market is notoriously difficult to operate in. Less players are available, and prices are inflated. Plus there is the added issue of being midway through a season, with teams jockeying for position.
But with Gallagher, Newcastle really could land someone who would be a great fit on Tyneside.
Since the change of ownership, the Magpies have looked to sign young players with potential who can make a difference right now. Gallagher ticks that box – he is 22 and already proven in the Premier League, but clearly has scope to get even better.
He perhaps isn’t the ‘number six’ that Howe craves, but his box-to-box energy and eye for goal could add something fresh to Newcastle’s midfield. If he can play like he did when he was at Crystal Palace then he would be an extraordinary signing.
One issue could be Chelsea’s unwillingness to deal with Newcastle. We are now a direct rival for a place in the Champions League, and they might be reluctant to make Howe’s squad any stronger than it already is.
But if Chelsea need to move players on and Newcastle are a willing buyer (or loaner), then perhaps a deal could be possible.