Conor Gallagher looks set to stay at Chelsea this summer after turning down Everton six months ago.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who have claimed that the midfielder is likely to line up alongside Enzo Fernandez next season.
Gallagher turned heads when he enjoyed a sensational loan spell with Crystal Palace during the 2021-22 campaign, netting eight goals for the Eagles.
The youngster received plenty of praise from former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who claimed his development was ‘extraordinary and outstanding’ at Selhurst Park.
The 23-year-old returned to Chelsea and hoped to make an impact on the first team, though struggled to earn a consistent place in the starting line-up.
Everton were very eager to offer Gallagher regular football during the January transfer window, with the Daily Mail claiming the Toffees had made a £45 million bid for his signature.
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However, Gallagher reportedly preferred a move to Newcastle United or another ‘Big Six’ club – though ended up staying at Stamford Bridge to fight for his place.
With Tom Davies leaving upon his contract expiry and Amadou Onana looking increasingly likely to leave Merseyside, Everton are in desperate need of a major overhaul of their midfield.
However, any considerations of going back in for Gallagher will now have been flattened as he looks set for a key role under Mauricio Pochettino.
The report claims the England international is likely to fill the role left following N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic’s exits, though Chelsea are still expected to bring in new midfielders this summer.
Conor Gallagher isn’t worth the money Everton would pay for him
While there has been no reports of Everton reigniting their interest in Conor Gallagher, it seems like a relief that they didn’t succeed in bringing him in for £45 million.
The midfielder is clearly very talented and shone at Crystal Palace, but he hasn’t done enough at Stamford Bridge to warrant such a price tag.
The potential move would put him at a similar valuation to Amadou Onana and James Maddison – both players that Toffees would much rather have on their books.
However, if Onana is to leave Goodison Park then Everton can use the cash to buy someone better than Gallagher.