Chelsea star ‘wants Newcastle United move’ but Magpies ‘need to table £45m’ amid Everton interest

It could be the biggest day of Newcastle United’s season both on and off the pitch today as the team prepare for their Carabao Cup semi final second leg against Southampton all while the January transfer window is coming to a close.

The Magpies splashed the cash to sign Anthony Gordon from Everton for £45 million and that might not be the only important deal they make this window. With midfielder Jonjo Shelvey expected to bring his time in the North East to an end by signing for Nottingham Forest there could be scope for United to recruit a new central midfielder.

If that’s the case then they could very well make a late move to land Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has reportedly told the Blues hierarchy that his prefered destination is St James’ Park if he is to leave in this window. According to journalist Craig Hope, the Daily Mail’s North East football correspondent, the 22-year old wants to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place but, if he is told to leave, then he wants to join a club in the top six.

That’s bad news for Everton who have reportedly already tabled a £45 million bid for the former Crystal Palace loanee. It is claimed that Newcastle would need to match that bid but financial fair play regulations could make that difficult. Any deal would likely have to be in the form of a loan until the end of the season with an obligation to buy the player for the reported fee in the summer.

Not only has Gallagher reportedly expressed his desire to move to Newcastle but head coach Eddie Howe is said to be a ‘big admirer’ of the player so a deal could very well be on the cards. However, there are other midfield targets who the club are reportedly monitoring including Sheffield United’s Sander Berge.

The Norwegian would likely come considerably cheaper than Gallagher, although a similar loan with obligation to buy deal may be necessary. One thing that could increase the price, if United do pursue a move, is that Fulham are also said to be considering a bid which would potentially instigate a bidding war between the two Premier League sides with the Blades under no pressure to sell due to the player still having 18 months on his current contract.