West Ham United were open to signing Conor Gallagher on loan this summer – Sky Sports reporter
Conor Gallagher attracted a lot of interest after shining for Crystal Palace last season and West Ham were open to a move, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.
Gallagher scored eight goals and registered five assists in all competitions for the Eagles last season as Patrick Vieira’s side climbed to 12th in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old was hot property in the transfer window over the summer but ended up returning to parent club Chelsea.
However, Sky Sports reported Bridge believes that West Ham were prepared to make a loan move for the England youngster had the opportunity appeared.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Bridge said: “In the Leeds and Leicester games he [Gallagher] was trying too hard and you could see that against Leicester when he got sent off.
“Against Leeds, he was played out of position and part of a bad team performance all around. You can tell he’s got a great attitude.
“He didn’t want to go back on loan. A number of Premier League clubs would have taken him on loan. I think West Ham would have taken him as well.”
Midfield reinforcement
It was blatantly clear that West Ham were eager to bring in some midfield muscle over the summer, with too much pressure put on the shoulders of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek last season.
Lucas Paqueta ended up making the switch to London Stadium from Lyon to add some depth and quality, but it seems David Moyes was also eyeing up other midfielders in the process.
Gallagher would’ve been an ideal fit at West Ham. He pushes forward with the ball and offers plenty of creativity and goal threat – something that would’ve paired well and balanced with Rice’s defensive talents.
At Chelsea, he’s managed some minutes under new boss Graham Potter, but the Blues boast a stacked midfield with Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante and new signing Denis Zakaria all vying for spots in the lineup.
If problems do arise for Gallagher at Stamford Bridge, then West Ham will be waiting in the wings to snap him up.