Crystal Palace have joined the ranks of Tottenham and Newcastle in the pursuit to sign Conor Gallagher after initiating contact with Atletico Madrid over a transfer.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains highly connected within the sport, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old would be open to a return to South London.
Following Eberechi Eze’s move to Arsenal, the Eagles are preparing to intensify their efforts in the transfer market, with Gallagher among several bold targets.
This comes after reports [first by Bobby Manzi] indicated Palace are keen on the midfielder and have reached out to Atletico Madrid regarding a potential loan move.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider last month that Gallagher is willing to return to the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Everton are also believed to be monitoring the England international’s situation but have yet to make official moves.
However, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 13 July that Atletico will demand £50million to sell Gallagher, which may complicate any transfer.
Crystal Palace eye Conor Gallagher and Bilal El Khannouss deals:
Football Insider disclosed on 16 August that Crystal Palace want Leicester star Bilal El Khannouss to replace Eze as they begin their hunt for substitutes.
Brown, who possesses extensive experience in elite player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most triumphant period, insisted that Gallagher has now emerged as a daring target that the Eagles are hopeful of securing.
“Conor Gallagher could be one Palace go for,” he told Football Insider.
“It seems they’ve spoken to Atletico Madrid about whether it would be possible, and I think it’s the type of move that they need to be looking at.
“He’s a different type of player to Eze, in no way is he a like-for-like replacement.
“But he works hard, gets close to people, puts his foot in, and makes those late runs into the box.
“Eze is different, he always wants the ball in to feet which is where Mateta came in so useful to knock the ball of to him and then they’d be on the attack.
“So it would be a change for Palace, but maybe one the manager would prefer.
“From the player’s point of view as well, I believe he would be open to a return to Palace.
“He knows the club and the area, he’ll still have some good relationships in the squad and with the staff, so it would be a welcome return for him.
“If Atletico are willing to let him go, I think it’s a move that makes a lot of sense.”
Man United set sights on Adam Wharton deal:
Speculation about potential arrivals at Palace is poised to dominate their plans after Eze’s departure, but interest in some of their key players remains robust.
Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Man United are keen on signing Adam Wharton as Ruben Amorim seeks to enhance his midfield options.
United’s interest in Wharton follows their failure to secure a deal for Brighton star Carlos Baleba after Football Insider disclosed Brighton value Baleba at £100million.
Palace are expected to offer the same response to their rivals, as United’s chase for a central midfielder enters the final days of the window.