Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
FULHAM FACES COMPETITION FOR CHELSEA STAR CONOR
AT LEAST 12 BRITISH CLUBS HAVE SHOWN AN INTEREST IN GALLAGHER
FULHAM are set to face stiff competition in their attempts to sign Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher this summer, with 12 clubs vying for his signature.
Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Southampton are just three of the clubs keen on taking the Blues youngster on loan.
The 20-year-old has impressed on loan in the Championship this season, with stints at Charlton and Swansea City over the 2019/20 campaign.
However, it is likely that Gallagher is set for another loan spell, with the preferred option being a Premier League club.
The Gazette understands that the Blues want their former Academy Player of the Year to head to a team in the top flight who plays in a similar style as Chelsea, which could make a move to Craven Cottage trickier.
It had been reported that Gallagher could also head to the Bundesliga for next season, but the Gazette understands that is not going to happen.
Palace and Leeds have also eyed up a permanent deal or loan deal with an option to buy, however Chelsea do not want to sell the midfielder.
Gallagher netted six times and picked up two assists during his time at Charlton, before making the switch to Swansea in January, adding another six assists to his tally.
The midfielder was a key player in helping the Swans reach the Championship play-off semi-final, eventually losing to Brentford.
Getting a spot in the Chelsea first team next season could be tough for Gallagher, with the Blues recruiting strongly.
Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already been brought in, while the Blues are working hard to sign Kai Havertz.
However, there is still uncertainty around the long-term futures of Jorginho and Ross Barkley.
Palace have previously loaned Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Michy Batshuayi from the Blues, and are keen on making a move for Gallagher.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has kept a close eye on Gallagher this season, with the youngster saying: “Chelsea are always in contact with me. Frank Lampard has kept in contact a little bit.
“He sent me a message to keep up the good work, so that’s always nice to hear.
“I think he’ll keep in close contact with every loan player because that’s the type of manager he is.
“He likes the young players and to bring them through, so yeah it makes everyone hopeful who’s on loan. It’s very exciting.”