Newcastle United can sign a midfielder they have wanted since the Steve Bruce era for £40million this summer.
They have already secured the services of one £40million midfielder, with Joelinton signing a new contract at St James’ Park. He has committed his future to the club, and that could also convince Bruno Guimaraes to remain on Tyneside.
That is a big boost for Eddie Howe, as Joelinton and Bruno are key cogs in his midfield. But it has been a problem position this season, with a lot of issues involving that area of the pitch.
Firstly, Sandro Tonali was issued with a 10-month ban in October. He is still unable to play, after being investigated for betting by the Italian Football Federation.
On top of that, pretty much every senior centre midfielder that Newcastle United have has suffered from injury this season. The only one who has stayed fit for the entire campaign is Bruno, although Howe is always fearful that an injury is coming his way.
Newcastle United have had midfield issues this season
With the likes of Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley all having injury problems this season, Newcastle could consider signing a new midfielder when the transfer window opens.
That is something they pondered in January, with Kalvin Phillips heavily linked. However, Newcastle decided against signing the long term target, and that looks like it has been the correct decision.
Now another long term target looks set to be available, as Chelsea aim to improve their PSR situation by moving on one of their homegrown players.
Chelsea star who Newcastle like could be available this summer
It is becoming increasingly likely that Chelsea sell Conor Gallagher this summer. His contract expires in 2025, meaning they probably need to cash in at the end of the season to avoid losing him for nothing next year.
The alternative is to give him a new contract, but the fact he is homegrown means any money they get for him is pure profit, which will massively enhance the Blues’ situation regarding profit and sustainability.
It was reported earlier this year that Gallagher’s value is plummeting as his contract winds down, and now the Chronicle have provided details on how much he might cost.
According to the Chronicle, Gallagher could be available to Newcastle or any other suitors for £40million.
They add that Newcastle have had scouts present at Stamford Bridge this season, and they recently watched Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Manchester United.
Newcastle are long term admirers of Conor Gallagher
‘Gallagher to Newcastle’ rumours are not new. Steve Bruce wanted him when he was in charge, and Eddie Howe has continued the tradition. In fact, Howe came close to getting him last year, only for Chelsea to block Gallagher from making the move.
But the England international is a player who Howe likes, and is someone who will feature on Newcastle’s list of midfield targets heading into the summer.
Newcastle should think twice about £40m move for Gallagher
He has been described as ‘priceless’ by Mauricio Pochettino, but it appears that is not the case. He does have a price, and it is £40million. And for that amount of money, the Magpies should look elsewhere.
While he is a talented player and has the energy to succeed in an Eddie Howe midfield, Newcastle do not really need a player like Gallagher. With Tonali set to return and Anderson and Miley emerging from the academy, there is less need for Newcastle to bring in a ‘number eight’.
If Newcastle are to sign a midfielder, it must be someone who can operate as a ‘six’ and provide Bruno with more cover, or allow the Brazilian to play in a more advanced role.
While Gallagher is set to be available this summer and his transfer value is dropping, he is not a player who Newcastle United should sign.
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