Pundit Noel Whelan has urged Newcastle United to go out and sign Conor Gallagher before the January window shuts amid recent transfer links.

What's the word?

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are currently interested in a number of Chelsea players. Indeed, alongside Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also named as targets.

However, it remains to be seen which of those three is highest on the list for Eddie Howe and co, and if any of them would actually be open to joining this winter.

In an interview with Football Insider, Whelan has claimed that the club should target Gallagher as a priority ahead of the others for a few key reasons.

He explained: "These are three players that a lot of clubs would want to have.

“The only stumbling block could be that they’re on big money. But we know Newcastle have got the funds that other teams don’t. They need the strength in depth.

“Chelsea will have to get rid of players for next to nothing because they seem to be spending and spending at the moment.

“I think Newcastle are the one Premier League team who can be appealing to these players. The regime in place, the fanbase, their position in the league table – it’s all going for them.

“Gallagher, I can tell you now, is the one, for me. He appeals more than the other two because of his age and what he’s already done at Crystal Palace.”

Dream deal?

So far this winter, the club are yet to make any major new signings, though Chris Wood has joined Nottingham Forest on loan so that could free up a bit of space in the squad for an arrival. 

In Gallagher, Newcastle would be getting a pretty exciting player. Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age but shone with Crystal Palace last season, with eight goals and three assists in the league during his loan spell.

However, while the Magpies may be keen on the midfielder, it remains to be seen if the Chelsea man feels the same way. After all, there have been reports that he would rather stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge instead.

Still, he's not a guaranteed starter for the Blues and if Howe can offer him more minutes and more money, then perhaps an agreement could be arranged this winter.