Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has commented on his side’s interest in Conor Gallagher amid a potential move back to Selhurst Park.
Gallagher spent the previous campaign on loan at the Eagles, with the 22-year-old shining for the south London outfit.
He netted eight goals and provided five assists in all competitions and proved to be a crucial asset to the team throughout last season.
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After such impressive performances, he returned to Chelsea this summer for pre-season and is hopeful that he can play a part in Thomas Tuchel’s squad going forward.
"I told him (Tuchel) what I thought and he said what he thought,” said the midfielder back in July.
“I said I think I’m ready to play for Chelsea. Patrick’s (Vieira) not been sure of my plans for next season. He might find out through this.
“It was 15 or 20 minutes and we both got out of the phone call what we needed. It was clear after that.
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"I feel ready for a step up in my career. If there is a chance to be a part of the team at Chelsea then I can’t turn it down. I’ve got to have belief in myself that I can show the fans and the boss what I can do.”
Vieira has now spoken on his side’s potential interest in Gallagher this summer, insisting that he is still a Chelsea player as of now.
Speaking to the media via Ryan Taylor, he said: "The window is still open. Conor is still a Chelsea player until we hear otherwise."
Gallagher made his debut for the Blues in their 1-0 win against Everton last weekend, coming off the bench in the final minutes.
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The loan spell at Palace was his fourth away from Stamford Bridge, having previously featured for Charlton, Swansea and West Brom.
Gallagher looks set to stay at Chelsea for now, but fellow Cobham academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi is facing an uncertain future at the club.
It was recently revealed that he could be set for a loan spell away this season, with the winger not being named in the squad to face Everton last Saturday.
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He is believed to be in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential move, although they are not the only side interested.
The Guardian are reporting that Newcastle United are now in the race for the 21-year-old, alongside Southampton and Leicester.
Hudson-Odoi spent a large part of last season out injured, amassing just nine goal contributions in all competitions.
Bayern Munich tried to sign him in 2019 but he stayed in west London, although a move to the Bundesliga could be on the cards this summer amid Dortmund’s interest.
Topics: Conor Gallagher, Patrick Vieira, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Premier League
Robert Calcutt