Crystal Palace have had their hopes of re-signing Conor Gallagher boosted, but not in the way you would expect.
What's the word?
As per a report from The Athletic's Matt Woosnam, Gallagher could well find himself on loan next season, with his immediate prospects at Chelsea questioned.
In The Athletic's Crystal Palace match-day discussion, Woosnam said:
“I’m not sure Gallagher gets into that Chelsea team, but then perhaps they’ll set up in a way that suits him better than the slightly more defensive outlook Palace have had in the last couple of months that doesn’t play to his strengths.
“Would not be surprised to see him back out on loan somewhere.”
Great news for Palace
If Gallagher is to head out on a second consecutive loan spell, Vieira's side should be among the favourites to secure his services once more.
22-year-old Gallagher has built on the glimpses of potential he showed at West Brom the season prior and has shone on the platform that the Eagles have granted him.
It's been a breakout season for the young midfielder, with his eight goals and three assists a by-product of the emphatic displays he has put in for the Selhurst Park side.
In that time, he has shown maturity in his playstyle and well-roundedness in terms of his ability to occupy more defensive roles in a slightly-tweaked tactical shape.
His form has earned him three caps for England, and in a World Cup year, he will surely want to play it safe in familiar surroundings with guaranteed game time.
He's been integral to the Eagles' progress this season, ranking as the second-highest goal scorer at the club, as well as the second-highest assist creator with a combined total of 11 attacking returns.
With Palace's reported intent of signing a defensive midfielder, the 22-year-old could be granted even more attacking freedom. So, from Gallagher's perspective, why would you not want to return to a club who are undergoing an exciting transitional project under Vieira, and could bolster your prospects of making England's World Cup squad?
A second loan spell at the side would be best for both parties.