Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out for up to three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury, potentially opening the door to Eddie Howe signing a replacement midfielder. Newcastle United’s pursuit of James Maddison was unsuccessful and there’s calls for them to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
The 22-year-old is coming off the back of a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace that saw him score eight goals with five assists in 39 games while being named Player of the Season, so it’s no surprise the Magpies are interested. Whether Chelsea give up the academy graduate is another matter, however, as Noel Whelan believes it will depend on their pursuit of Frenkie De Jong.
Chelsea are interested in signing the Barcelona midfielder, but they might not have success landing De Jong if the Catalans fail to sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. Whelan told Football Insider: “I think it’ll rest on Frenkie de Jong. If he comes in, I think Gallagher will be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan again.
“Newcastle aren’t going to get Maddison, so where do they turn to? Conor Gallagher. We know he’s a real talent. He’s a similar player in that midfield role, very creative, scores goals, assists – but Newcastle won’t be held to ransom.
“Gallagher is ready and waiting, he’s fit, he’s proved he can do it in the Premier League – it’s a no-brainer, for me. If they manage to get him, that will definitely help the front line out with his forward thinking and creativity.”
Gallagher has made just one appearance for Chelsea at senior level, scoring 12 goals with four assists from 52 games for the U18s, scoring one goal with six assists from 15 games for the U19s and scoring four goals with three assists from 21 games for the U23s.
He’s set to break into the first-team this season but may want to be a regular after playing consistency at Palace. Newcastle can offer that whereas Chelsea likely can’t, but a lot has to go in the Magpies’ favour to get a deal over the line.
In other news, Elliot Anderson tipped to play after Jonjo Shelvey injury
