Newcastle United are still interested in potentially signing Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher this summer, according to a recent transfer report.

The Lowdown: Gallagher on the periphery at Chelsea

The 22-year-old stayed put at Stamford Bridge last year after a loan spell at Crystal Palace but he has struggled to nail down a regular place in the team in west London.

Gallagher has only started 10 of his side's Premier League matches in 2022/23 so far, in what was often been a frustrating campaign for him.

It could be that the Englishman moves away for good during the summer transfer window, and Newcastle have been linked with signing him in the recent past.

The Latest: Newcastle keen on signing Gallagher

According to Football Insider, the Magpies' interest in Gallagher 'has not diminished', having wanted to snap him up in January.

A transfer in the summer reportedly feels 'possible', and it is believed that Chelsea would be willing to sell the midfielder for a fee of around £30m.

The Verdict: Exit seems likely

At this point, it does feel increasingly likely that Gallagher could jump at the opportunity to leave Chelsea in order to be a regular starter elsewhere.

There is no denying that the four-cap England international is a very capable player - Thomas Tuchel once called him 'extraordinary', while he was Player of the Season during his loan spell at Palace - but he is arguably not quite at the level required to be a star man for the Blues.

There is an abundance of quality ahead of the 22-year-old in the pecking order in Chelsea's midfield and it is difficult to see that changing, especially with more signings possibly arriving in the summer.

Newcastle could be an ideal place for the £50,000-per-week Gallagher to continue his career, with Eddie Howe more likely to be able to make him a focal point in the team at St James' Park, one which looks far likelier to be playing Champions League football than Chelsea next season.