Crystal Palace have reportedly made a £27m offer to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
During 2021-22, Gallagher's reputation rose considerably during a loan period at Selhurst Park, the Blues academy graduate going on to earn international recognition with England.
In total, Gallagher contributed eight goals and three assists from 34 appearances in the Premier League, his form earning the club's Player of the Year award at the end of the season.
However, the plan was always to return to his boyhood club Chelsea with head coach Thomas Tuchel known to be an admirer of the player.
Despite constant speculation regarding another move away from Stamford Bridge, it has realistically been unlikely given Tuchel's issues in that area of the pitch.
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Nevertheless, Gallagher has endured a disappointing start to life in the German's squad, that being capped by a dismissal against Leicester City for two yellow cards after just 28 minutes.
Given the cynical nature of the foul which led to the second caution, Tuchel was naturally left unimpressed, and it appears that Palace are now looking to take advantage of the situation.
According to The Times, the Eagles have presented Chelsea with the opportunity to receive £27m for the 22-year-old's signature.
With three years still remaining on Gallagher's contract and N'Golo Kante sidelined for another month, Tuchel is unlikely to jump at the chance to cash in on a player who adds depth to his squad.
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However, with Chelsea having spent big throughout the summer, signing a replacement for a lower fee may convince the powers-that-be at Chelsea to contemplate doing business.
As far as Gallagher is concerned, he may be left torn between not wanting to give up playing for his long-term club and being wary of losing his place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup.
Gallagher would become a certain starter at Selhurst Park with head coach Patrick Vieira seemingly viewing him as the ideal player to start alongside Cheick Doucoure.
Should it become apparent that Gallagher is available, other clubs in the Premier League will register an interest with Everton and Newcastle United known to be admirers.
Darren Plant
