Former Tottenham and Scotland defender Alan Hutton has suggested Newcastle United are a bigger draw than Crystal Palace in their chase for a Chelsea midfielder.
England star Conor Gallagher is the player in question, with Newcastle and Palace both looking to swoop for the 22-year-old before the January transfer window shuts.
Gallagher had a hugely successful loan spell at Selhurst Park last season but has been given more of a chance to show waht he can do in Chelsea colurs in the current campaign.
However, the midfielder has only started two Premier League games under Graham Potter since the restart after the World Cup. That, in turn, has led to rumours he could be offloaded this month.
The Daily Telegraph reported last week that Newcastle were plotting a move for Gallagher, who could be a victim of Chelsea’s huge transfer splurge this month.
His current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2025. However, Gallagher wants more game time and is likely to have to move to get it.
Palace has also been linked with a reunion with the player, which Hutton could see happening. But he thinks high-flying Newcastle are the better bet.
Newcastle, Palace in Gallagher scrap
When asked if returning to the Eagles would be a good option for Gallagher, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think it would.
“Playing under Patrick Vieira, he knows what it is all about.
“He had a great loan spell there so there is always that. He is in London as it is, so it is not far for him to travel.
“If an opportunity at the likes of Newcastle who are going for top four, could have Champions League, they area building something under Eddie Howe, came up I think that would be more of a draw.”
Newcastle are currently third in the Premier League table and are six points behind second-placed Manchester City.
Eddie Howe’s men are next in action on Tuesday evening when they face Southampton in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals.