Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has urged his old club to make a deadline day move for Conor Gallagher.
The 22-year-old has spent the last three seasons on loan with Swansea City, West Brom and, most recently, Crystal Palace. Gallagher enjoyed a positive campaign at Selhurst Park last season, making 39 appearances in all competitions.
Gallagher scored eight goals and registered three assists in the Premier League, and his impressive displays earned him a nomination for the Men’s PFA Young Player of the Year award, while he was also awarded the Eagles' fans' Player of the Season prize.
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Liverpool are believed to be in the market for a new midfielder ahead of tonight’s deadline after Jordan Henderson became the latest player to become sidelined last night. Henderson is set to undergo a scan after limping out of Wednesday's dramatic 2-1 home Premier League win over Newcastle United with a hamstring issue.
As a result of the injury, Enrique believes the Reds should make a move for Gallagher, who has also been linked with a return to Palace.
“Liverpool definitely need a midfielder. I love Matheus Nunes, who just signed for Wolves and it's a mistake that Liverpool didn't go for him,” he told Boyle Sports.
“They're talking about Caicedo from Brighton, but I like Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. He could be going back to Crystal Palace but I like him a lot, he will be a good player and Liverpool should try and sign him before the deadline.
“Next year Liverpool will go for someone like Jude Bellingham but right now there's not a lot of options. For me, I love Gallagher from Chelsea.”
Enrique then continued on Liverpool’s squad, saying: “It's all about squad strength. If they don't get the players that they need then it will be tough to see them fighting for the title.
“They also need someone on the right side as Minamino and Origi have left the club. If they're lucky with injuries they could be there but if they don't I think it will be tough.”
Despite Enrique’s plea, Liverpool have this morning opened talks with Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo. The 26-year-old Brazil international has been identified as a possible solution to the Reds' ongoing injury problems in midfield.
Arthur, who is a defensive midfielder by trade, has been in and out of the Juventus team since joining in the summer of 2020, making 31 appearances last season of which 16 were starts. The ECHO understands that although Liverpool are interested in a potential deal for Arthur, the Reds are continuing to assess other ways of bolstering their midfield options before tonight’s 11pm deadline.
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