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Leeds make approach as battle for second Chelsea raid takes shape

Leeds United have approached Chelsea over the chance to sign Conor Gallagher on loan for the season, according to a report.

Gallagher is currently training with the Chelsea first team after returning from a productive loan spell at West Brom. He may have to seek another temporary exit from Stamford Bridge to continue developing. In the process, an opportunity may have presented itself for Leeds.

They have admired Gallagher for some time and now, according to Football.London and The Athletic, have made an approach.

Signing a new midfielder has become Leeds’ top priority this summer. After bolstering their under-23 ranks with the addition of Lewis Bate from Chelsea, they have returned to the same hunting ground to enquire about Gallagher for the senior side.

After keeping tabs on the 21-year-old for a while, Leeds have now made their pitch. Chelsea want Gallagher to sign a new contract before loaning him out for a season, as they do not have room for him this year.

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Leeds, on the other hand, do, as they have been searching for a central midfielder for a long time. In fact, after strengthening the left-back department with Junior Firpo, the midfield position has become their top priority in the transfer market.

To get Gallagher, though, they will have to beat competition from Crystal Palace, who want to keep him in London.

Palace are currently undergoing a significant rebuilding project following the departures of manager Roy Hodgson and several first-team players. Gallagher would help replenish the ranks that new boss Patrick Vieira is inheriting.

According to Football.London, Gallagher has already held talks with both clubs. His preference would be to force his way into Chelsea’s plans, but another loan exit may be more beneficial in the short-term.

It seems his choice will be between playing at Elland Road or Selhurst Park.

Gallagher has enjoyed loan experiences

While he is hoping for a first-team breakthrough at his parent club, Gallagher recently admitted he had taken value from all of his previous loan spells.

Before playing for West Brom last season, he spent time in the Championship with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.

The midfielder believes he has learned something from all three of his spells away from the club which can help him going forwards.

“I’ve loved every loan I’ve been on and every game I’ve played,” he said. “It’s been great meeting new people, playing with a load of different players and under different managers. It’s all about getting different experiences.

“With Sam [Allardyce] at West Brom, it was more about the dirty side and doing that well, whereas at Swansea it was about runs in behind and creating chances. Each manager has helped improve different areas of my game, which has been so valuable for my development.

“I’ve definitely improved as a player in the past two years and a lot of that is down to the four managers I’ve played under and their different styles of play. I’ve just loved every minute of it and I want to push on even more now.”

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