Newcastle transfer news: Conor Gallagher might be told he has to leave Chelsea

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Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher could reportedly be told that he has to leave Chelsea before the January transfer window closes.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who report the Blues may force the 22-year-old to leave Stamford Bridge, with a decision over his future set to be imminent.

Gallagher is a man in demand late in the window. Newcastle have asked about loaning him, while Everton have launched a £45million bid as they look to make use of the Anthony Gordon money.

But the Daily Mail state that Gallagher does not want to join Everton, who are currently 19th in the Premier League.

The report adds that the England international wants to remain at Chelsea, where he is starting to get regular minutes. However, Graham Potter’s side are currently trying to sign Enzo Fernandez, which could force Gallagher out of the club.

Conor Gallagher wants to join a top six club like Newcastle

According to the Daily Mail, Gallagher has a list of preferred destinations if he is forced to leave Chelsea before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

They state that he wants to join a top six club, which would include a potential move to Newcastle, who are currently third in the Premier League.

Gallagher’s stance could give the Magpies a real chance to sign him, given that no other ‘top six’ club appears to be linked with signing him. The Mail add that the likes of Southampton, Crystal Palace and Forest have all asked about Gallagher, but they are obviously not ‘top six’ clubs.

Eddie Howe is reportedly very fond of Gallagher, and is in need of a midfielder with Jonjo Shelvey set to sign for Nottingham Forest.

But if Howe is to sign Gallagher, Newcastle will need to propose a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy for £45million. That would equal the amount the Magpies spent on Anthony Gordon.

It puts Newcastle in a difficult situation. Gallagher is clearly a player they admire, but do they admire him so much that they want to make him one of the club’s most expensive signings ever?

There is every chance he could struggle on loan at St James’ Park, yet the club would still need to pay £45million for him.

With time running out, Newcastle need to make a decision. The player they want could be available, and he could also be keen on a move. But is he the midfielder that the club want to splash out on? That is the £45million question.