Newcastle United could strike deal for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher with Eddie Howe favouring signings with Premier League experience… as Toon expect tough competition from Spurs for James Maddison
Newcastle United are keen on Chelsea‘s Conor Gallagher as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his midfield this summer – but the Toon will face stiff competition for Leicester’s James Maddison.
While Newcastle scouts checked on RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in their win over Werder Bremen on Sunday, Howe would prefer someone with Premier League experience.
One of the simplest deals that could be done, therefore, is for 23-year-old England international Gallagher, who is expected to be part of an extensive Stamford Bridge clear-out.
Gallagher, who has two years remaining on his Chelsea contract, has started 15 Premier League matches this season and come off the bench in a further 17.
Despite being more involved during Frank Lampard’s interim tenure, Chelsea will listen to offers before Mauricio Pochettino comes in as the club’s next permanent manager.
Conor Gallagher is attracting interest from Newcastle ahead of his expected Chelsea exit
Eddie Howe wants to bolster his squad ahead of expected Champions League football
Newcastle are expected to go after Leicester City’s James Maddison once again this summer
Gallagher only started twice in Chelsea’s Champions League campaign this season but Newcastle could offer him more game time in Europe’s leading club competition.
Howe’s side dropped two points in a 2-2 draw at Leeds United on Saturday but remain on course to finish in the top four.
Saudi-backed Newcastle are also keen on Maddison but will face stiff competition from Tottenham and have greater financial restrictions than their rivals at the top of the table.
England attacking midfielder Maddison, 26, will in big demand regardless of whether Leicester suffer relegation from the Premier League in the coming weeks.
He has scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists this season but the Foxes sit second-bottom, two points from safety, ahead of Monday night’s home fixture with Liverpool.
Newcastle wanted to sign Maddison last summer but their outlay since the Saudi takeover has left them treading a fine line when it…