Carlton Palmer has offered his thoughts on what Crystal Palace should do at the end of Conor Gallagher's loan spell with the club.

What's the talk?

Former Premier League player Carlton Palmer has urged Crystal Palace to look into a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher.

When asked whether or not Palace should be trying to sign him at the end of his temporary spell, he told the Transfer Tavern:

“Yeah, obviously he’s doing well, you know where Palace are. There’s no hiding about where Palace are, their recruitment has to be smart, they haven’t got the biggest budget in the world and so your basis has got to be around good young players.”

Fans would love it

Steve Parish must look to get a 2022 agreement sealed for Gallagher to keep him at Selhurst Park in the long-term. Whether it comes in the January window or next summer, Palace fans could love it as he could be a terrific investment by the club, one to help them continue the transition from an ageing team into a younger, more vibrant side.

Scott Dann (34) and Gary Cahill (35) were replaced by Joachim Andersen (25) and Marc Guehi (21), whilst Andros Townsend (30) was replaced by Michael Olise (19). This suggests that Patrick Vieira is attempting to bring down the average age of the squad, which bringing 21-year-old Gallagher back for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond would contribute to.

The youngster already has Premier League experience under his belt. He played 30 games on loan at West Brom last season as they were relegated from the top-flight, with Gallagher averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.63 as he scored two and assisted two goals for the Baggies.

Earlier in his career, Gallagher was praised by Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews, who said that he has a “fantastic engine” and compared him to the likes of Lee Bowyer and Frank Lampard.

He said: "But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard - it's amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he's a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward."

Now he has started his Palace loan career in stunning form. He scored both goals in the 2-2 draw with West Ham at the weekend and has averaged a WhoScored rating of 8.09 over two matches. The dynamo has won five tackles, two interceptions, four aerial battles and made four clearances, to show that he can defend his own box whilst also being able to break into the opposition's to score.

This is why fans will be over the moon if Parish is able to strike a permanent deal for Gallagher in 2022. It is now down to the Palace chief to make sure he can get a move over the line.

In other news, Crystal Palace have backed away from a deal to sign star forward...