England international ‘interested’ in £40m Newcastle United move
Newcastle United were linked with a move for Conor Gallagher last summer and links have re-emerged.
A former Premier League scout has claimed Conor Gallagher is “interested” in joining Newcastle United.
Gallagher left Chelsea following Euro 2024 a year ago despite being club captain the previous season. A dispute over a new deal resulted in the midfielder joining Atletico Madrid for around £33million.
It is understood that the La Liga club would accept what they paid should a potential suitor come calling. The 25-year-old played 50 times across all competitions last season, with Atletico enduring an underwhelming campaign.
Conor Gallagher linked with Premier League return
Various sources have suggested Gallagher is hopeful of a Premier League return. That is despite the former Chelsea man detailing his happiness in Spain earlier this year.
Links to Newcastle were inevitable as Eddie Howe is thought to be an admirer. The Magpies expressed interest in Gallagher last summer before his big-money switch.
In reality, a deal was never likely as PSR restrictions gripped United 12 months ago and Sandro Tonali’s return loomed. While Newcastle’s midfield three is solid, selling Sean Longstaff to Leeds United has opened a possible spot.
Gallagher would be viewed as an upgrade on Longstaff and someone who can “raise the floor” of Howe’s squad. NewcastleWorld have received no concrete information that Gallagher is on the Toon shortlist.
Former Premier League scout speaks out
Ex-Manchester United, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur scout Mick Brown has suggested Gallagher wants to join Newcastle this summer. He said: “Gallagher would be very much interested in a return to England. Everything being equal, if he had the chance to join Newcastle this summer, I believe he would do.
“Things don’t quite seem to have clicked for him in Spain, even though they rate him highly over there and the manager like what he brings. He’ll have one eye on the World Cup next year and he knows he has to play regularly to get into that England squad, but he’s not doing that at Atletico."
Conor Gallagher happy at Atletico Madrid
Speaking earlier this year, Gallagher opened up about enjoying his time in Spain. He also hinted at “more to come” in a red-and-white shirt.
“I love playing for Atleti, it’s a really special club,” Gallagher said. “This is (my) first season, and I think there’s more to come from me, which is really exciting.
“I’m happy to play anywhere on the pitch for the manager. Of course, I want to make the box and score goals, I wanted to do that more so this season than I have. ... In the last couple of games, I’ve got into good positions, and I could have got maybe one or two more goals, so it’s looking good.”