Crystal Palace’s hopes of signing England ace given encouragement by reporter’s comments

Crystal Palace will be at the ‘front of the queue’ if Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher was to become available, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Eagles were keen to bring him back to Selhurst Park in the last transfer window but a move didn’t materialise.

Gallagher, 22, ended up staying at Stamford Bridge beyond the deadline and has made six appearances so far this season for the London club.

‘Front of the queue’...

O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport:

“I’m sure it’s a move that Crystal Palace would love to do. We’ll have to wait and see what Graham Potter’s plans are for Conor Gallagher.

“Does he see him fitting into his Chelsea side going forward as well? It’s a clean slate for Gallagher, and for everybody at Chelsea now under Potter. But if he was to become available, I’m sure Crystal Palace will be right there at the front of the queue.”

Gallagher was a hit on loan at Crystal Palace last term and scored eight goals in 39 games in all competitions.

His future at Chelsea now depends on whether Graham Potter sees him as part of his plans.

The England international has been on the books of the Blues for his whole career to date and has also had loan spells away at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Brom in the past to gain experience.

He was a great fit at Palace and you can see why they would like to have him back in South London after his performances in the last campaign.

This is a story to keep an eye on between now and the January window.