Patrick Vieira has handed Aston Villa a huge boost in their race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
What’s the word?
That’s according to News Shopper, with the outlet relaying quotes from the Crystal Palace manager who claimed:
“At the moment I don't think there is any chance because he is a Chelsea player.
"He did fantastically well for us, but he is in pre-season with Chelsea and honestly we wish him all the best.
"I don't think there is a way to get him back.”
Aston Villa had recorded an interest in the midfielder but reportedly faced competition from Everton and Crystal Palace.
Lange must act soon
Naturally, the man who earned huge plaudits for his performances last season for Palace has drawn huge attention this summer.
Steven Gerrard and Johan Lange must act quickly if he is keen to secure this signing, and he could then mould this hard-working, forward-thinking midfielder in his own image.
Although Chelsea have slapped a reported £50m price tag on Gallagher, with Villa already free-spending this summer, perhaps the 22-year-old could be the last piece of the puzzle to perfecting Gerrard’s team.
Last season for Palace the midfielder managed 34 league appearances, scoring eight and assisting three as the Eagles finished comfortably mid-table despite early season suggestions they would go down. He was their second top scorer, only behind marksman Wilfried Zaha.
He also recorded a fine SofaScore rating of 7.08 and recorded his first England appearance, capping off a hugely successful season for the youngster. This however has all contributed towards the price tag aforementioned.
Labelled “relentless” by journalist Mike Stavrou, his work rate is what most astounded viewers last season. He possesses all the ability, but seldom can a footballer be seen to prefer the gritty side of the game.
He ranked in the 93rd percentile for pressures per 90 last season, further supporting Stavrou’s claim.
Technically however, he ranked in the 92nd percentile for dribbles completed, as well as the 96th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90.
There is no doubting that under Gerrard’s wing he could be moulded into a player of similar ilk, as the two share huge similarities between the Villa manager’s playing days.
He must swoop quickly to avoid losing out on this opportunity to mould Gallagher into an all-time Villa great.
AND, in other news: "I have heard..": Journo reveals big transfer update at Villa, Gerrard will be fuming.