Yahoo News Newcastle United's Chelsea scouting mission as Conor Gallagher poised for Stamford Bridge exit
Newcastle United scouts have been present at recent Chelsea games as the Magpies begin to finalise their summer shortlist for what fans hope will be a busy summer.
A Toon scout was on the attendance list for Chelsea's recent 4-3 win over Manchester United as football's top talent spotters carefully monitor the intriguing situation around Conor Gallagher. The 12-times capped England international is looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer despite being one of Mauricio Pochettino's top performers.
Gallagher's future at Chelsea looks ominous after talks on a new contract reached an impasse and with the midfielder's current deal set to expire in 2025, he could leave this summer. Newcastle have expressed an interest in Gallagher before and have routinely followed his progress since.
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The 24-year-old does not want to leave Chelsea but with the Blues having to comply with PSR rules, he could be offloaded with West Ham and Tottenham also interested in a cash deal. A fee of £40million for Gallagher has been mooted with the star currently earning around £50,000 per week.
With no sporting director in place, Howe is currently leading the transfer chase ahead of the summer window although he stated earlier this season that he already had a strong say despite the presence of departing supremo Dan Ashworth. Although, Gallagher is thought to be just one on a lengthy list of midfield options going into the summer trading period.
