Everton have reportedly made a £45million bid to sign Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has stated that the Toffees have proposed a deal worth £40million upfront, then an additional £5million in add-ons.
This comes after Newcastle asked Chelsea about loaning Gallagher for the remainder of the season, as they search for a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey.
As for Everton, they are scrambling to do their own business after announcing the appointment of Sean Dyche. He is Frank Lampard’s successor at Goodison Park, and immediately has a pot of cash to spend on new signings.
That is because Anthony Gordon has just left the Toffees. His £45million move to Newcastle was confirmed on Sunday, with the winger stating that he hopes his former side can reinvest the money and make some signings to boost their survival bid.
Everton are looking to do just that, and could sign one of Newcastle’s major targets in the process – using the money they just received from the Magpies, who paid £40million upfront for Gordon.
Chelsea might be more willing to send Conor Gallagher to Everton
Newcastle are reportedly concerned that Chelsea won’t let Gallagher join them because they are now seen as a direct rival.
In contrast, Everton are at the opposite end of the table. Therefore, the Blues might be more willing to let the 22-year-old move to Merseyside. The only major decision they would have to make is do they want to let him go permanently.
If that is the case then Everton could be in luck. FFP means Newcastle probably aren’t going to make a permanent offer, while Chelsea don’t want to strengthen Eddie Howe’s side further.
The only real concern Everton should have is will Gallagher want to join them? He plays for one of England’s top clubs, has an emerging force fighting for his signature, but is being presented with the chance to join a team that could be in the Championship next season.
Everton will have aspirations of surviving, and will feel that Gallagher can help them achieve that objective. If they are able to bring him in, they can thank Newcastle for giving them the cash injection they needed.
It would be a cruel twist for the Magpies, who could end up missing out on the midfielder they want to replace Shelvey with.
Gallagher looks like he would be a great fit at St James’ Park. He is an all action midfielder, and his pressing ability was recently described as ‘fantastic‘ by England boss Gareth Southgate. That is exactly what Howe is looking for, but a deal might not be possible.
Everton’s bid complicates matters further, and it is somewhat ironic that the offer has been made possible by Newcastle signing Gordon.
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