West Ham are battling Tottenham to sign midfielder Conor Gallagher as it’s likely he will leave Chelsea this summer, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper said the England international is being “pursued” by the two London rivals and that there are “doubts” over the 23-year-old’s future at his boyhood club.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinburg tweeted that there’s a “good chance” Gallagher, who former boss Thomas Tuchel once described as “extraordinary”, will leave Chelsea amid the interest in his services, with Spurs already holding talks with the Blues.
Move quickly
The Hammers may have to move quickly if they want to get a deal over the line for Gallagher after a number of clubs have recently expressed an interest in his services.
The Guardian report details that Borussia Dortmund, Everton and Newcastle have all been eyeing a deal for him in the past and it’s likely more suitors will join in the race if he is made available for a transfer.
West Ham have the advantage of European football on their side if they are currently only battling Spurs for him after their London rivals failed to qualify for any of the three competitions for next season.
It’s important the Declan Rice money is used to get at least two midfielders through the door this summer, as the former captain was almost an ever-present in the middle of the park and options were limited without him.
If the club can pull off a deal for Gallagher, that would mark excellent business as they would be signing a current international with great versatility to play in a number of midfield roles.
