The problem for Gallagher is that Tuchel may like him and want him but he doesn't need him. The result is that if he tries to squeeze him into the team, it's in the wrong position and as today showed, that's not going to end well for anyone, Connor or Chelsea. All parties have a tough decision to make and something is going to have to give. Either Connor is going to stay and likely sacrifice a year or two of his career with no better than an even chance he does eventually end up in a position that suits him, or he's going to have to go and put his boyhood club behind him. The only certainty is that he's not going to get what he really wants (an attacking midfield shirt at Chelsea) anytime soon. The next ten days are decision time.

With regards to Connor coming back to Palace, I sort of agree with a lot of the posters above; he had a great half-season and an average half-season. I'd take him back, but I suspect Chelsea will want more than he's really worth to us. And to some extent, we've already moved on from what we were in the first half of last season so our needs have also changed and we're not really as desperate for him as we might have been then. The one proviso for me is that I get the impression PV really loves Connor and would have him back in a pinch. If that's the case, I'd give Vieira what he wants; it's a good enough reason for me. The interesting bit over the next ten days will be if Chelsea is prepared to sell and us, Newcastle, and Everton all come in with bids, which Connor will choose. That will tell us a lot about him. I've always said that aside from Doucoure, he's been our main target over the summer and until he's ruled out, that will remain the case. I still think that.

Top post Syd
My great fear is that we go all in for him. Chelsea will see us coming and we’ll end up paying way to much.
There is better value out there and so unless (very unlikely) the asking price was no more than £15/20m I’d scout a lot of the young talent coming out of France.

I really dont think he is that good a player, a great engine and decent finisher but he has so much lacking in his game, he had a very good first half of the season but went off the boil in the second half, even Benteke and Puncheon had one good season for us,i wouldn't buy him. full stop.

I also love CG, but with PV's current squad I am not at all unhappy that CG isn't part of it. Schlupp is actually better doing what he did against Villa though unlucky offside rule-out. Doucoure's position is what was and is needed - that is Defensive Mid not attacking mid - among other positions Schlupp is an attacking mid and a GOOD ONE. Schlupp is quick to link up the attacking play we currently do so well. Now another RLC to support Doucoure is what I would target, plus a super-winger and an out and out CF to support Zaha.

1. DM
2. Winger
3. CF

Not a CG.

In fact, it's starting to look as though CG likes to be 'the star of the day' in lesser teams than top four company. I think he may be sent out again somewhere on a free.