"I'd be surprised if Palace kept him" – Journalist drops big Selhurst Park claim involving star

Journalist Tom Barclay has all-but ruled out Conor Gallagher being a Crystal Palace player next season.

The 22-year-old is enjoying a fabulous campaign on loan from Chelsea, but he is expected to return to Stamford Bridge once his deal expires.

When Gallagher was scoring and assisting on a regular basis for Palace earlier in the season, it was great news for Patrick Vieira’s side. However, his 10 goal contributions in 21 league outings were always going to catch the eye of Thomas Tuchel, who’ll now surely give him a chance to prove himself at Chelsea next term.

Gallagher has been one of the breakout players in the top-flight in 2021-2022, scoring notable goals against Manchester City, West Ham, and a stunner against Everton, his second of the afternoon.

No one else in Vieira’s squad has scored more league goals this season than Gallagher’s seven, while only Michael Olise has assisted more than his four. Unsurprisingly, he’s comfortably been Palace’s best player, with an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.31, some way above James McArthur in second (6.89).

Gallagher has already seen his form rewarded with a first England cap in November and he’ll be hoping to add to that solitary appearance when the Three Lions get together once again next month.

His form has dropped of late, with just one goal and no assists since mid-December. Regardless, Barclay isn’t expecting the midfielder to be back at Selhurst Park next campaign.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Gallagher’s going to go, I can’t see him staying. His form has not been the same of late, but I’d be surprised if Palace kept him.”

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Up to now, Gallagher has passed almost every test with flying colours, although