Newcastle are reportedly ready to battle with Crystal Palace and Leeds United for the loan signing of Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher.
The Athletic say the Magpies are interested in Blues midfielders Gallagher and Ross Barkley.
Gallagher has reportedly had conversations with new Palace manager Patrick Vieira and Leeds over a loan move.
According to Sam Inkersole of Football.London, both clubs are keen to take the youngster on loan from Chelsea for the coming season.
The 21-year-old Gallagher performed admirably on loan at West Brom last season despite them being relegated from the Premier League.
But he would be behind N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic in the central midfield pecking order at Chelsea and is set to spend another season out on loan so that he can get more first-team experience.
Should Blues boss Thomas Tuchel change formations to a 4-3-3, that competition will only increase with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz coming into contention for roles in key central areas.
With a move for Declan Rice growing ever more likely, and several central midfielders such as Danny Drinkwater, Ross Barkley, Teimoue Bakayoko and Ruben Loftus-Cheek returning from loans, a short-term move for Gallagher akin to Billy Gilmour’s to Norwich seems to be the best possible option for all parties involved.
Gallagher is highly thought of at Chelsea and impressed in the Championship on loan at Charlton and Swansea prior to also catching the eye at West Brom.