Chris Waugh has claimed on Pod on the Tyne that Newcastle United have registered an interest in Conor Gallagher.
The Magpies have been linked with a whole load of players this summer – ones they would like to ideally bring in on loan and these included Gallagher, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Armando Broja.
However, it has been reported by The Athletic’s David Ornstein that the former two won’t be leaving Chelsea this summer unless an offer they couldn’t refuse is lodged for either of them – something Waugh can’t see Newcastle doing given they’ve already splashed out over £100m this summer.
Waugh believes that Newcastle do indeed like Gallagher and are interested in the midfielder, although his future looks to be with Chelsea.
He said: “Conor Gallagher, a different player they see as a sort of No 8 as someone they have registered an interest in at Chelsea. David Ornstein, our colleague, has reported on Monday morning that neither Gallagher nor Christian Pulisic – the winger who Newcastle have also registered an interest in – looks likely to leave at this stage unless Chelsea are given an offer they simply can’t refuse.
Should Newcastle push for Gallagher?
Yes!
No!
“As I’m saying, if it’s going to be loans, then perhaps neither of those two are necessarily going to be attainable, but Newcastle are actively looking. They are looking for a midfielder, primarily.”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s midfielder search…
It’s quite obvious that Newcastle are in need of a new central midfielder given the injuries to Jonjo Shelvey and Bruno Guimaraes, although they did manage to cope well away to Wolves last weekend with midfield options including Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson.
However, the latter is just 19 years old and shouldn’t have too much pressure on his shoulders at such a young age, therefore, bringing in someone just a little bit older and experienced in the form of Gallagher would likely have been perfect for the Magpies.
Reports have suggested that Newcastle do hold an interest in Ainsley Maitland-Niles who has just one year left on his contract and would be able to arrive as a versatile player, but one with a whole load of experience as well at 25 – though Southampton are also interested in the Arsenal ace.