Paul Merson believes Chelsea outcast Conor Gallagher would be the ideal fit for Newcastle United. Jonjo Shelvey’s anticipated exit to Nottingham Forest leaves Eddie Howe light of options in midfield.
With Joelinton playing out wide since the World Cup break, there have been no midfielders on the Newcastle bench in recent weeks. Howe revealed the club would try to bring a body in at his pre-match press conference yesterday.
Several Premier League clubs are understood to be monitoring Gallagher’s situation. Just seven top-flight starts for Chelsea has frustrated the 22-year-old’s progress after a stellar campaign at Crystal Palace last year.
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Reports suggest the Magpies have expressed an interest in Gallagher and fellow Chelsea misfit Ruben Loftus-Cheek. However, Newcastle’s position in the Champions League places poses a direct threat to the Blues.
That is a view echoed by former Arsenal midfield Merson, who suggested Everton could be the front runners for his signature. He told Sky Sports: “I'm a massive fan of Conor Gallagher, he ticks a lot of boxes for Newcastle and Everton.
“Obviously, with the Newcastle one, they are a danger to Chelsea but, if I were Everton, I would try and offer a £10million loan. I know it's for three or four months but that could be the difference of £100million next season.”
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