Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer as the Eagles look to rebuild their first team squad.

What's the story?

According to the Daily Mail, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to take a closer look at the 21-year-old before making any decision on his future, but Palace are keen to snap up the youngster immediately.

The England under-21 international had an impressive loan spell with West Bromwich Albion in 2020/21, scoring two goals and providing two assists in 30 Premier League appearances.

Next McArthur

It's set to be a summer of much change at Selhurst Park as the south London outfit enter the post-Roy Hodgson era. The former England boss enjoyed four relatively successful years with the capital club but has left the playing squad in a far from healthy position.

Key players such as Gary Cahill, Andros Townsend and Parick van Aanholt are among an extensive list of stars set to become free agents over the coming weeks. However, one of main positions potentially affected by Palace's current contract situation is central midfield.

Experienced regulars James McCarthy and James McArthur will be able to leave the Eagles for nothing unless chairman Steve Parish puts a last-minute deal on the table, meaning a sizeable gap in the club's engine room will need to be filled.

Therefore, a move for the £10.8-m rated (as per Transfermarkt) gem would make sense for the Palace hierarchy.

"Conor Gallagher has a lot of everything," said former Baggies manager Slaven Bilic after the Midlands outfit defeated Sheffield United last November.

"He's young, he can take balls, good in defending, he's very calm on the ball, he's energetic, and he loves to get in the box. I'm really delighted with his contribution. He got a massive career in front of him. Massive."

Gallagher's arrival would provide the perfect heir to McArthur and considerably ease the transitional period for Hodgson's successor, whoever that may be.

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