Palace manager’s one-word answer on transfer link to Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher

Patrick Vieira provided a one-word answer when asked whether Crystal Palace can bring Conor Gallagher back to Selhurst Park in this January transfer window.

The England midfielder spent the 2021-22 season on loan with the Eagles.

Gallagher made 39 appearances while on loan in South London, winning the club’s Player of the Year award for his role in helping the Eagles reach an FA Cup semi-final and finishing 12th in the Premier League.

There had been reports prior to Palace’s 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Sunday that the Eagles were preparing one last bid for the former Charlton and Swansea loanee before the January window shuts.

Gallagher, who was a part of England’s squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, has made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season.

He played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as a 64th-minute header from Kai Havertz was the difference for Graham Potter’s side against Palace.

When asked if the 22-year-old was a player who the Eagles could try and bring in this winter, the Palace boss said: “No.”

The Eagles are 12th in the Premier League, seven points off the relegation zone but eight points off the European spots.

“We are not that comfortable,” said Vieira of Palace’s league table position.

“The table changes from one week to the other.

“The ambition of the players and of the football club is to finish higher than we did last year.

“We want to improve every aspect of the football club.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD