Aston Villa tipped to sign Conor Gallagher

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Conor Gallagher as Steven Gerrard is desperate for an all-round central midfielder as a long-term replacement for Douglas Luiz. The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and isn’t close to signing a new deal, so a successor is needed to allow Villa to cash in early.

Gallagher would be the ideal option, having impressed in last season’s loan spell at Crystal Palace, but the 22-year-old could be staying at Chelsea. Thomas Tuchel wants to run the role over Gallagher after seeing him light up the Premier League, so Villa may not be able to lure him to the Midlands. Pete O’Rourke says he’d be a fantastic acquisition.

He told Football Fancast: “I think we saw what Conor Gallagher provided for Crystal Palace last year. He was probably one of the best players in the Premier League, for me, on his day. So, he will definitely be a huge signing for Villa if Steven Gerrard was able to get him.” Gallagher made 39 appearances for Palace in 2021/22, scoring eight goals with five assists.

The England international created 38 chances, had 43 successful dribbles, made 68 tackles, averaged 31 passes per game, had 29 interceptions, blocked 61 shots/passes/crosses, whipped in 128 crosses and took 52 shots.

Gerrard has defensive-minded players in Marvelous Nakamba, Morgan Sanson and Boubacar Kamara, so he doesn’t need another. Gallagher is a player of substance but can also create and carry the ball from deep, so he’s effective in both boxes.

In other news, Steven Gerrard has little choice to sell Carney Chukwuemeka