An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Conor Gallagher in the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
According to The Sun, the Magpies have turned to the Chelsea gem as a 'prime' target in the weeks leading up to the deadline.
The report claims that the £40m-rated talent is seen as an alternative to Leicester's James Maddison, as a deal for the former Norwich man is looking unlikely as it stands.
However, it remains to be seen how much Newcastle would be willing to pay for him and whether or not the Blues would be willing to sanction an exit.
Thomas Tuchel has not guaranteed any game time for the England international, recently saying:
“Conor fights in central midfield. To be very honest, it’s a tough fight for him because at the moment, as it seems, we only have two places in central midfield, which is a bit unfair given the number of players we have for central midfield.
“It’s not ideal, I agree. But we have to do what’s best for the squad, not what’s best for every individual player."
Joelinton 2.0
One of the highlights of the 2021/22 campaign for Newcastle was watching Joelinton go from a misfiring striker to an exceptional box-to-box midfielder - winning the club's Player of the Season award.
The Brazilian gem became a machine in the middle of the park as he made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst also chipping in with four goals and one assist in 30 Premier League starts.
He has also started this campaign in fine form with 2.5 tackles and interceptions and 2.0 key passes per match, registering one assist in two outings.
Joelinton has shown that he can make a big impact defensively - ranking in the 97th and 93rd percentile for aerial duels won and blocks per 90 over the last 365 days - whilst also chipping in with contributions at the top end of the pitch.
In Gallagher, who scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed "high-quality" and a "warrior", Newcastle could find another central midfielder capable of contributing defensively and offensively from the middle of the park.
The 22-year-old, who has been listed as a similar player to Joelinton on FBRef, made 2.9 tackles and interceptions per match in the top-flight on loan at Crystal Palace last term. He also ranked in the 93rd percentile for pressures per 90 in his position, which shows that he works extremely hard to close down the opposition.
Along with his defensive contributions, the £17k-per-week gem found the back of the net eight times and provided three assists and this shows that he has the quality to make a big impact in attack in the Premier League.
Therefore, he could come in on Tyneside and catch the eye with his box-to-box displays in a similar way to how Joelinton did last term, but with the potential to make a bigger splash in the final third.