Chelsea have made their decision over Conor Gallagher, and have reportedly told him that he can’t sign for Newcastle United today.
The Magpies are trying to sign a midfielder to replace Jonjo Shelvey, who is on his way to join Nottingham Forest.
The 30-year-old’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Eddie Howe’s squad, and has left Newcastle scrambling to find someone who can take his place.
Gallagher has been identified as an option, and Dan Ashworth has asked to bring the 22-year-old to St James’ Park on loan.
It was reported earlier on transfer deadline day that Newcastle felt Chelsea would be unwilling to send the England international to the North East, and that has proven to be the case.
Conor Gallagher told he is not allowed to join Newcastle
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have told Gallagher that he will not be allowed to join one of their rivals today. That includes Newcastle, who are in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
That is a major blow for the Magpies, who are huge admirers of Gallagher. It was stated on Monday that he would be interested in a move to Tyneside, but the Blues will now not allow that to happen.
It speaks volumes of where Newcastle are now, and is further evidence of the fear the club has instilled in the rest of the Premier League.
Ally McCoist recently stated that he thinks Gallagher would be ‘perfect‘ for Howe’s side. He is possibly right, but we will not find that out this season.
Instead, Gallagher will either have to stay at Chelsea or join a club further down the Premier League table. However, Todd Boehly might struggle to find a team that he doesn’t consider a rival, considering that his side are down in 10th and almost as close to the relegation zone as they are the top four.
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