Crystal Palace would be ‘in a good position’ to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, should he become available, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The Lowdown: January rumours

The Eagles were hoping to bring Gallagher back to Selhurst Park over the summer but failed in their pursuit despite making an approach and formal offer.

Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman are already working on a January move, though, with reports suggesting that Palace are readying a £20m proposal.

Gallagher, described as a ‘monster’ by Palace-supporting journalist Tom Dutton, hasn’t had the best of starts to the season at Stamford Bridge, receiving a first career red card against Leicester City.

The Latest: Barclay’s comments

Barclay, talking to GiveMeSport, stated that Palace were hoping for a loan move late in the summer and said that the Eagles would stand a good chance if Gallagher becomes available in the future.

“Crystal Palace would definitely have been in for him. They were hoping that he might become available on loan towards the end of the window. The fact that he did so well under Patrick Vieira would definitely put them in a good position to get him.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

It will be interesting to see how Gallagher fits into Graham Potter’s plans after he replaced Thomas Tuchel in the Chelsea dugout. Should he fall out of favour over the coming months, all parties involved would surely be open to the idea of a permanent January exit.

Palace, as Barclay mentions, could be in with a good chance of a deal, and you’d like to think that the 22-year-old would jump at the chance of a return to work under Patrick Vieira after starring at the club on loan last season if he becomes surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.