Report: Leeds and Palace in talks to sign Chelsea player on loan

By Will Butcher

Football London claim that Leeds United and Crystal Palace are in talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan. The hard-working ace impressed during a loan spell at recently-relegated West Brom last term. Now, both Palace and Leeds are in talks over getting Gallagher on loan.

The 21-year-old clocked up 30 Premier League appearances under Slaven Bilic and then Sam Allardyce last term. While the Baggies were easily relegated in the end, there were a few bright lights to emerge. Other than Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira, Gallagher was certainly eye-catching.

Combative with a touch of class, Gallagher became renowned for his work rate as a holding midfielder or even slightly more forward. He has now been on loan three times, and a fourth is likely. Leeds and Palace have already done business with Chelsea this summer, and could do so again.

Which club needs Gallagher more this summer – Leeds or Palace?

Leeds have signed Lewis Bate from Chelsea, while Palace spent the best part of £20million to get Marc Guehi. So both have a good relationship with Chelsea. The report says Leeds put together an impressive presentation in talks a few weeks ago, before speaking on facetime to Patrick Vieira.

So, which needs him more? Palace need players all over the park – probably except from central midfield. Of all the players they have lost, none were in that position. Of course, Gallagher would fit into the kind of player Vieira is signing – after Guehi and Olise. Leeds do need a central midfielder.

They want a player that can cover Kalvin Phillips but also play further forward. Leeds probably need Gallagher more than Palace.