Gallagher could spark life into Palace

Crystal Palace have been linked with a potential summer switch for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The youngster, currently on-loan at West Bromwich Albion, is reportedly being considered for a summer move to Selhurst Park according to The Express.

The 21-year-old would be the perfect arrival to regenerate and rejuvenate an ageing Palace squad.

At the current time in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson possesses, on average, the oldest squad with an average age of 28.8 months. As a matter of fact, a whopping 13 players in the current squad are over the age of 30, a huge reason as to why the Eagles desperately need some younger recruits.

Should Palace sign Conor Gallagher?

Yes

No

No

Gallagher is exactly what the club need then, should he elect to leave Chelsea.

He has impressed in his debut Premier League season with the Baggies having also caught the eye in previous loan spells with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.

So far this season, the central midfielder has made 22 appearances in the league, racking up two goals and two assists. As a matter of fact, only current Baggies top scorer Matheus Pereira has been more productive than Gallagher this season in what has been a thoroughly forgettable campaign for the club.

One of the bright sparks, his adaptation and trajectory have been noticed, too, with former boss Slaven Bilic admitting that the youngster is “going to be big”.

Despite that, he may find it tough to break through at parent club Chelsea considering the immense competition he’d have in midfield positions including from fellow academy graduate Mason Mount, meaning a move could benefit his career.

Rated at just £9m at the current time, Gallagher looks to have the talent, and also potential, to give a spark to a declining Crystal Palace side.

His arrival is one that chairman Steve Parish should certainly look to prioritise in the summer.

AND in more news, take a look at our closer analysis of Wilfried Zaha’s poor return to the Palace squad against Spurs…