Aston Villa: Alex McLeish makes Conor Gallagher claim

Former Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to the club’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Gallagher linked with Villa

The Midlands club have been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old recently following his successful loan spell with Crystal Palace last season.

Ashley Preece believes that Steven Gerrard’s side ‘will test the water’ for Gallagher, whereas journalist Josh Holland has claimed that a move to Villa Park could be a possibility.

Fabrizio Romano has said that Gerrard ‘loves’ the midfielder, and McLeish has now given his thoughts on the potential move.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

The 63-year-old, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa and Gallagher.

He said that the England international would be a ‘terrific asset’ with Villa ‘trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table’.

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McLeish stated:

“Stevie likes flair players, he wasn’t one himself, he had a bit of everything.

“But he likes those players who have a bit of flair going forward. Gallagher made such an impact at Crystal Palace last season.

“I think he would be a good asset. He would be a good asset to any club in the Premier League other than maybe the top four.

“If Chelsea are considering selling him, Villa are trying to get a foothold in the top end of the table, he would be a good signing.

“He’s young and he’s still learning. He’s a terrific asset.”

The Verdict: Fifth summer signing?

Villa have already brought in four players this summer, so Gallagher could prove to be the fifth arrival ahead of Gerrard’s first full season in charge in the Midlands.

He could prove to be a ‘terrific asset’, in the words of McLeish, after contributing to 13 goals in 39 games at Selhurst Park.

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Gallagher can play anywhere in the middle of the park so would provide plenty of versatility for Gerrard, and you’d expect that the 22-year-old will only get even better over the coming years, so a summer swoop could be a shrewd one for Villa owners NSWE to try and pull off.