‘Realistic’ Conor Gallagher transfer update emerges as Everton eye signing
Everton’s chances of finally getting their hands on Conor Gallagher have become clearer ahead of the January transfer window.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher was thought to be an Everton transfer target in the summer but no deal materialised before the deadline.
Now, a wide array of clubs are believed to be interested in bringing the former Chelsea man back to the Premier League, a year and a half since he left Stamford Bridge.
Everton have been trying to sign Gallagher since long before that, with a major bid lodged while Frank Lampard was in charge at Goodison Park, and while it appears interest remains they aren’t likely to land him this time around either.
Gallagher wants European football to leave Atletico
According to a new update from Sky Sports the Englishman is expected to be the subject of a heated race involving Premier League clubs in the New Year.
However, the majority of those in the mix aren’t thought likely to be successful with only a few of the “bigger” clubs seen as “realistic” options.
Gallagher has expressed his displeasure with a lack of minutes under Diego Simeone as he would like to be in with a chance of making the World Cup squad but isn’t pushing to leave the Wanda Metropolitano, and Atletico are not interested in a loan just as they weren’t when enquiries were made in the summer.
A permanent deal is expected to cost at least £35 million and the 25-year-old’s own preference to play for a top side in European competition narrows the possible routes significantly.
This is despite only four Premier League sides reportedly not having shown interest “in one form or another” ahead of the window, albeit four of those in Europe – former side Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.
Jack Grealish could help Everton sign Gallagher
It may be that Gallagher ends up being one that got away for both Everton and David Moyes, who was also linked to him as West Ham boss.
His industrious nature and track record in the Premier League with Chelsea and Crystal Palace provide good reason to believe that he could thrive under the Toffees boss at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Clearly there is no European football on offer, but if Gallagher continues to find himself on the bench in Madrid he may reconsider his conditions, especially when both manager and club have a history of interest.
Seeing someone like Jack Grealish escape a difficult situation at Man City and thrive despite the lack of Europe could surely boost the likelihood of such a move happening, especially if the two England teammates were to communicate directly about the situation.
The same is arguably true with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but with Moyes interested in James Ward-Prowse at West Ham the Scot surely has more hope of success with that as things stand.
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