Newcastle United lead the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in the summer, according to the Evening Standard.
As per the report, the Blues are planning a clear-out of players to help finance another big window starting in June.
As a result, it is believed that Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are all assets who could be sold.
Under UEFA’s financial sustainability rules, selling homegrown players would constitute pure profit. Therefore, Chelsea could look to prioritise getting Hudson-Odoi, Gallagher and Loftus-Cheek out the door.
Thus, the Evening Standard claim the Magpies are currently the front-runners in the race to sign the 22-year-old – who they tried to land towards the end of the January window.
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This is especially the case if the Toon finish in the top-four and qualify for the Champions League this term.
However, it is said that Crystal Palace and Everton are also interested in the England international.
Newcastle lead the race for Gallagher
With Eddie Howe keen to land an extra player in the middle of the park, Gallagher would certainly be an ideal arrival.
Having made 82 Premier League appearances to date, the youngster has a great deal of experience with Chelsea, Crystal Palace and West Brom.
Gallagher is a brilliant runner, meaning he is excellent as pressing the opposition and putting defenders under pressure. This is something Howe likes to exploit, thus suggesting why he’s been so keen to bring the midfielder to St James’ Park.
Hailed by Blues manager Graham Potter as a ‘fantastic’ player, talks of a permanent transfer were rumoured to be in excess of £50m.
This is certainly rather expensive for the 22-year-old, but he is a great option for the club in the long-term, perhaps warranting his price-tag.