Chelsea have reportedly shot down West Ham United’s enquiry for the loan signing of midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer.
According to The Guardian, West Ham United have made an enquiry to secure the loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher but have been rebuffed in their approach by the Blues.
Gallagher came through the youth ranks at Chelsea but has made just one senior appearance for the club. The 22-year-old has spent the last three seasons out on loan, having had stints with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City during 2019/20 before spending a year with West Bromwich Albion in 2020/21.
Gallagher joined Crystal Palace on a temporary spell last summer and enjoyed a fine season, finishing with eight goals and five assists from 39 appearances, even earning a call-up to the England national team on the back of his exploits for the Eagles.
Gallagher has been attracting widespread interest this summer, with Everton casting admiring glances towards the 22-year-old not so long ago, while Crystal Palace themselves had an interest in re-signing him. Now, West Ham United too have shown an interest in Gallagher as per the report.
West Ham United have brought in a new midfielder this summer, signing Flynn Downes from Swansea City. However, David Moyes is keen on adding another midfielder to his ranks before the transfer window closes. The Hammers wanted to bring in Amadou Onana, but the young Belgian is on his way to Everton instead.
Hence, West Ham are looking at other options in the market, with Gallagher emerging as a prospective target. The Hammers are said to have enquired to sign the England international on loan. However, Chelsea have shot down their approach as manager Thomas Tuchel intends to keep the young Englishman at Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher made his senior debut for Chelsea this past weekend when he came on as a late substitute in the 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Considering that the likes of Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are likely to be on their way out, the 22-year-old will likely get opportunities at Stamford Bridge as he looks to carve out a place for himself at his boyhood club.
As for West Ham United, they will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements in the attacking midfield region. With Nikola Vlasic and Said Benrahma expected to be sold, Moyes will need to bring in a new player to strengthen their squad before the window closes.
