Dean Jones has claimed on The Done Deal Show that Everton being unable to secure a deal with Conor Gallagher is seemingly blocking a potential Anthony Gordon departure.
It has been reported over the last week that Everton had received an interesting offer for Gordon which would see them get £25m for the winger, but also Gallagher and Armando Broja in return, which would help address their need for a central midfielder and also an out-and-out striker.
Everton have already addressed their need for a central midfielder with the arrival of Amadou Onana, however, Alex Iwobi is still playing a slightly makeshift role in that position as things stand, so Gallagher would be an ideal signing for the Toffees.
However, Jones believes that Gallagher moving to Everton just doesn’t add up at the moment, which would leave them in the position of keeping Gordon at the club despite Chelsea’s strong interest.
Asked what would be the tipping point for Everton to roll over and accept a bid for Gordon, Jones said: “I think that’s a difficult point. Everton aren’t going to do that because if they are, then they want someone like Conor Gallagher going the other way, and I don’t think Conor Gallagher and Everton is adding up at the moment.
Would you like Everton to sign Gallagher?
Yes!
No!
“So I think that that is a big problem for them. I don’t know how they’re going to find that breakthrough, to be honest with you.”
TIF Thoughts on Everton’s interest in Gallagher…
It’s no surprise that Gallagher is apparently liked by Everton given the numbers he put up last season while at Crystal Palace having racked up more pressures than any other Toffees player last term, so he would bring about some much-needed energy and bite to their midfield, while he is now a tried-and-tested player in the Premier League having made 68 appearances in the competition.
However, whether Gallagher is interested in a move to Everton is a totally different question. That’s because the Toffees don’t appear to be in a great position given they are yet to win this season and could be set for another relegation battle.
Therefore, a move to Goodison Park may be something that doesn’t interest him, especially if he wishes to make the World Cup squad later in the year, as playing in a Chelsea side – even as a bit-part player – may be more beneficial to him.