Rangers legend believes Blues star would be the ‘perfect signing’ for Newcastle United

Ally McCoist believes Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher would be a ‘perfect’ signing for Newcastle United.

The Telegraph reported the former Crystal Palace loanee is one of three Blues players on the Magpies radar as the January transfer window enters its final fortnight. Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek - once of target of Rafa Benitez during his time at St James Park - and Morocco World Cup star Hakim Ziyech are the other two players under consideration by United.

Gallagher has been linked with a move to Tyneside in the past after Steve Bruce and current manager Eddie Howe were both said to be keen on a move for the four-times capped England star over the last two years.

There had been speculation the 22-year-old would be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis at the start of the season but he stayed in West London and has forced his way into Graham Potter’s thinking since he succeeded Thomas Tuchel earlier this season.

The midfielder won the praise of the Blues boss for his performance in Sunday’s 1-0 home win against Crystal Palace as Potter revealed Gallagher got a reward for his attitude during his time at the club.

Speaking after the win over their London rivals, he said: “I thought he was fantastic; great energy and great quality. He was playing against a team he respects and likes a lot. He’s been frustrated because he hasn’t had the game time that he would like but at the same time, he’s worked unbelievably professionally to support the team. So it’s nice today that he’s got that reward and was part of a winning performance.”

Although Gallagher’s immediate future seems to lie with Chelsea, former Scotland striker McCoist believes the midfielder represents the profile of player Newcastle will be targeting as they look to build on the momentum built up during the last 12 months.

The Rangers legend told talkSPORT: “Conor Gallagher is the kind of player I think Newcastle would be going for, young, hungry. I think that would make a signing. The way he plays the game, as I said earlier, Newcastle fans would take to him. He’s all energy, he’s high energy, great effort, perfect.”