talkSPORT reporter claims Lampard could "use his contacts" to sign £42m-rated star at Everton

Everton could sign Conor Gallagher on loan ahead of next season, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The £42m-rated midfielder has spent the 2021-2022 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace, but Crook believes that another Premier League loan might be on the cards next term.

Despite directly contributing to just two top-flight goals since Christmas, it’s been a real coming of age season for the Chelsea youngster.

Overall, Gallagher has still scored eight goals and laid on five assists for his teammates, which has helped the Eagles reach the FA Cup semi-finals and challenge for a top-half Premier League finish.

As a result of his form, he’s set to return to Chelsea and fight for his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad at Stamford Bridge after contributing to more goals than anyone in Chelsea’s midfield besides Mason Mount.

But Crook reckons that should Everton avoid the drop, a loan move to Goodison Park is far from ruled out.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “If they do survive, I think Lampard knows they need a rebuild, but he will have to be quite shrewd in the transfer market and maybe use his contacts to get a couple of loans.

“I was told Conor Gallagher possibly could end up there on loan rather than stay at Crystal Palace, to mould the team in his own image.”

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If Gallagher decides that he’s not going to get the necessary game-time back at Chelsea, then Everton could become an option.

He’s already shown the Toffees first-hand what he’s capable off, scoring twice in Palace’s 3-0 victory against them in December and he would bring some much-needed quality and energy to their midfield.

Furthermore, Everton might be short in the