Crystal Palace backed to hijack Man United’s Conor Gallagher deal
Crystal Palace could hijack Man United’s attempted Conor Gallagher deal and sign him if he returns to the Premier League.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher could be a “perfect fit” for the Eagles.
Man United are also in the race for Gallagher, who could cost just £26million in the January transfer window.
Gallagher was on loan at Crystal Palace from Chelsea during the 2021-22 season, winning the club’s Player of the Season award at the end of the campaign.
Keith Wyness ‘tipping Palace’ to agree Conor Gallagher deal
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – thinks any move for Gallagher may come in the summer transfer window rather than in January.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Crystal Palace may need to “restock their squad” next summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gallagher come back to Palace, where he was very well received. He had a great spell on loan. I know he enjoyed his time there.
“And I think Palace may need to restock their squad as well if they’re going to lose a couple of players. And I think he would be a perfect fit for Palace. So that’s where I’m thinking that he may end up.
“But I still think it won’t be until the summer. I think he’s going to see out the season with Atletico at least and, then they’ll see where they go. But he’s got a big season ahead of them there in Spain, and as I say, they’re challenging, and it’s a tough position for them to try and get up to win that league.
“If they can get around Real Madrid and Barcelona, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility, and I know that he would make himself a real star. The fans down there like him, but if he’s to come back, I’m tipping Palace.”
Man United pursue key Crystal Palace star
If Crystal Palace are to move for Gallagher next summer it could be due to the departure of Adam Wharton.
Wharton has been valued at £100m by Crystal Palace, with Man United showing strong interest in the 21-year-old.
Man United will pursue a new midfielder next summer, but the Red Devils may move for cheaper alternatives.