BURNLEY have got Cheslea’s Conor Gallagher in their sights for the upcoming January transfer window.
The youngster has impressed during his loan spell at Championship club Charlton Athletic.
The 19-year-old has bounced back from minor heart surgery 18 months ago being named the club’s academy player of the year in May.
He’s currently scored six goals so far, in 21 appearances for Charlton.
No wonder Burnley are keeping a close eye on him, including manager Sean Dyche who is keen on improving his midfield after a disappointing display by Chelsea loanee Danny Drinkwater.
Drinwater’s deal comes to an end early January.
Gallagher played for The Blues Under-21s in the Football League Trophy last season and was an unused substitute in the Europa League final defeat to Arsenal in May.
He has also represented England at u17,18,19 and 20 levels and won the U17 World Cup in 2017.
Just last month, Gallagher stunned with a goal against Albania for the England U21s squad.
The young star is high regarded at Stamford Bridge and should things not work out with fellow Blues teammate Drinkwater, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer will be keen to hand onto him despite there being a possibility he could be recalled to Chelsea.
Gallagher joined the Addicks in the summer on a season-long loan.
Earlier this season, Charlton boss Bowyer gave his thoughts on Chelsea wanting Gallagher back, telling South London Press: ”I don’t think they will do that.
”Where would they send him that is better than here? That’d the question.
”He’s close to home and they are over the moon with what’s happening with him.
”So for me, it would be crazy to take him away from here. Just leave him to it. He is enjoying it here and learning.
”All his goals have been different types but he is still learning the defensive side of the game. Even at the weekend there were a couple of times where he could’ve done when they got in behind him.
”He was a bit of a gamble but has come in and hit the ground running. He has got all the ability but also just wants to learn”.
It has been a good few months to be a Chelsea youngster under Frank Lampard, as the ex-Blues striker has been handing out debuts to many academy hopefuls including Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori and Reece James over the past few months.
Tammy Abraham also in fine form after making the most of his big chance at Stamford Bridge.
With this in mind, many will be wondering when the time will come for life-long Chelsea fan Gallagher to make HIS senior appearance for the club.
But if his teammates are any example to go by, he could be there with them in no time.
