Over the next 18 months, Eddie Howe may have a few big decisions to make regarding his midfield options.
With both Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton approaching 30-years-old, and the trio of Jacob Ramsey, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley each struggling for consistent minutes, we’re going to have to start thinking about who will be starting alongside Sandro Tonali in a couple of seasons’ time and beyond.
A wide range of names have been linked in the past few weeks, ranging from promising youngsters like Kees Smit and Aleksandar Stankovic to more established stars like Napoli’s Scott McTominay and Inter’s Davide Fratessi.
And a fresh report is once again connecting us with a January move for a former transfer target, one previously admired by Howe and who could be on his way out sooner rather than later…
According to Sky Sports, long-term Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher is looking to depart Atletico Madrid in January and hopes to secure a permanent return to the Premier League.
Despite the player himself stating that he is happy in the Spanish capital, the general consensus seems to be that the former Chelsea star wants more regular minutes, particularly in the build up to the World Cup where he will be fighting for a spot in the England midfield.
Newcastle were linked with a move once again over the summer, with Eddie Howe an big fan, although the La Liga side fought to keep him despite Premier League interest. But with 12 substitute appearances so far this season, his place as a starter looks increasingly under threat.
Sky Sports’ report also adds that should Gallagher move from Atletico Madrid, he would like it to be to a ‘top club’ with European football still on the table, stating that most clubs outside of last seasons top four have shown interest.
This could put us in an advantageous position, with us still able to offer Champions League football ahead of the World Cup, although it’s stressed in the piece that Atletico will ask for a permanent sale, not a loan.
It’s no secret that Howe values Premier League experience and versatility in a lot of his transfer targets, and Gallagher showed plenty of skill and quality during his stints with Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
The question is, are Newcastle still keen on the 25-year-old, or are we focused on highly-rated AZ Alkmaar teenager Kees Smit instead, who is thought to open to joining us in January.
Gallagher certainly won’t be cheap either, as Atletico will be wanting to recoup all of the £35m they spent on him roughly 18 months ago, with a loan move off the table.
But similar to some of our other ‘experienced’ midfield targets like Scott McTominay and Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi, if we can keep the price tag for Gallagher to under £40m, then it will be hard not to be tempted to sign a dependable England international who still has lots to offer.
