Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has admitted he does not know what the future holds for on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher. The 22-year-old has spent the season on loan at the Eagles from Chelsea and has flourished along the way.
Gallagher has recorded 11 direct goal contributions - eight goals and three assists - in his 33 Premier League appearances under Vieira as Palace prepare for their last game of the season against Manchester United. Such form has seen Gallagher rewarded with his debut for the England national side and he has also been backed to challenge for a first-team spot at Chelsea next term, but there have also been rumours of another loan spell.
With such a tremendous showing from Gallagher at Selhurst Park, it comes as no surprise that Vieira is keen on keeping him at the club for another season at least. The Palace boss and former Arsenal captain was asked about the future of the Chelsea ace in his latest press conference and issued an honest three-word reply of "we don't know".
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"Conor has been fantastic for us," Vieira said. "He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination."
Vieira added: "We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don't know.
"But what is important is that he came for a year, and he worked hard and worked well, and he gave something to the team and the football club. It was a win-win.
"He was really happy with us. He played really well, which allowed him to go to England. He's happy, so we are happy."
Vieira has made no secret throughout the season that Palace are very keen to keep hold of the talented midfielder. "It's up to Chelsea and of course the player," Vieira said last month.
"We have him for the year and we are really pleased with his contribution, he's been terrific. Then after this season, he goes back to Chelsea and the decision is Chelsea's and Conor's to make.
"A lot has been said already. He's been playing I believe his best football at this club, which allowed him to go with England. It will be important for him to ask a question about what will be the next step for him and the next step may be at Chelsea because he has to go back and see how things will go for him.
"Of course we are and I am really pleased with the year we spent together. He's been really good to us and we will have to wish him good luck if he goes back to Chelsea. If there is a possibility to bring him back, we will definitely talk about it."
