Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making a former loanee a permanent addition…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Eagles have made an enquiry to Premier League giants Chelsea about the availability of Conor Gallagher.

They are not the only club interested, however, with West Ham United and Newcastle United also enquiring.

That said, the Blues are currently unwilling to let the 22-year-old leave Stamford Bridge at this moment in time.

Vieira would love him

Although Chelsea seem intent on keeping the midfielder, it is at Selhurst Park where Gallagher truly exploded onto the Premier League scene.

His performances last season were nothing short of sensational, and he earned praise for his dogged midfield work married to a sharp proficiency in front of goal.

It is therefore no surprise that Patrick Vieira is keen to return him to the club, with the Frenchman previously simply adoring his displays in red and blue, comparing him to two Premier League greats.

He once said: "It is a manager's dream to have a player like Conor. When he is on the field, he will give everything. He is focused, he is concentrating and always gives his best. That is something that for me it is really important.

"Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour, but I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard."

His eight goals made him the Eagles’ second top scorer behind talisman Wilfried Zaha, so to lose out on this, plus his further six assists will be a big blow for the new campaign.

Not only this, but his work rate will be equally as tough to replace. Cheick Doucoure has been brought in to combat the absence of the “relentless” midfielder, although to pair goals alongside this would have been optimal.

He ranked in the top 7% for pressures compared to midfielders in Europe's top five leagues, outlining him as an outstanding candidate when it comes to working hard. This likely earned him the title of a “monster”, with Tom Dutton claiming that he had become “irreplaceable” for Palace.

Whilst also ranking in the top 4% for non-penalty goals, and top 8% for dribbles completed, there truly was nothing he could not do in midfield.

Whilst Doucoure has the work rate, just one goal last season does not come close to Gallagher. The same applies to Jeffrey Schlupp, who too only got four last season.

The £17k-per-week maestro truly is irreplaceable for Palace with one player, as there is no one like him. He is Vieira’s perfect player, and it can be certain that this enquiry will not be the final time we see the French manager try and lure him back to Selhurst Park.