Newcastle United are long-term admirers of Conor Gallagher, and he is once again on the club’s radar.
Conor Gallagher has been a Newcastle United transfer target since the Steve Bruce days, and the rumours have refused to go away since Eddie Howe‘s arrival.
There has been interest in the Chelsea midfielder during pretty much every transfer window, yet a deal has never been done. Gallagher was even blocked from joining the Magpies last year, with Chelsea opting against strengthening Eddie Howe’s squad as they went in search of Champions League football.
It did not matter, as Newcastle coped without him. However, we really could have benefitted from his presence this season. Howe has had major midfield problems, with injury and suspension severely limiting his options.
That is the case right now, with Newcastle only having three fit senior centre-midfielders – Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson. Their backup is Joe White, who has never started a competitive game for the club.
Conor Gallagher’s future is up in the air
With the summer transfer window looming, Gallagher continues to be linked with Newcastle, with the Magpies big fans of the England international as they assess whether or not to sign a new midfielder.
Gallagher is certainly an option, with his Chelsea career at a crossroads. His contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2025, meaning the Blues either need to give him a new deal or cash in on him this summer.
But even if they do decide to move the 24-year-old on, a move to Newcastle United is not high on Gallagher’s list of priorities.
Whether or not Conor Gallagher to Newcastle United is likely
That is according to TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Gallagher’s future and interest from the Magpies.
“Conor Gallagher still hasn’t got his contract offer from Chelsea, so at this moment in time he’s leaving,” he said.
“I’m told that he’s not convinced about a move to Newcastle United. Newcastle do like him, they’ve always liked him. It is not to say he wouldn’t go, but I don’t think he’s massively keen on that move – that is what I am being told.
“I think Tottenham are firmly in the driving seat for him.”
Newcastle do not need to sign Gallagher
A move to Newcastle seemingly does not appeal to Gallagher, which means Newcastle probably are not going to be able to bring him to St James’ Park this summer.
But that is not necessarily a bad thing. While our midfield options are limited right now, that will change by the beginning of next season.
Joelinton is nearly back from injury, while Joe Willock and Lewis Miley should be good to go in pre-season. As for Sandro Tonali, it has now been confirmed that he will not receive an additional ban from the FA and will be eligible to play from August 27th.
By September, Newcastle will have seven options to play in the middle of the park. That negates the need for a player like Gallagher, who is being valued at £40million.
That money can be better spent elsewhere, with the Magpies needing to prioritise a marquee winger and centre-back reinforcements.
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