I love Gallagher and he seemingly loves playing for us, but let's not kid ourselves that he would sign permanently for a club who realistically will at most scrape into a Europa League spot (and even that is a huge reach). If he has any ambition he will want to test himself at the highest level while his stock is high, whether that's at Chelsea or one of their rivals. I'm sure Spurs or Man Utd would love him in and around their first XI, for example. The way Liverpool play he would probably do well there too.

What I hope is that Parish is given a definitive answer by the player or Chelsea early doors so we don't get distracted from the other business that is needed. If we could get a proper defensive midfielder with pace and energy and a quick and able right-back then I think that would almost be enough providing we hold on to our key players.

I don't think there is any chance of signing Gallagher.

He's well aware of the competition for places at Chelsea, but I think he will want to go back and have a go at establishing himself there.

I think he has it in him to get a regular place at Chelsea. He'll benefit from having top class players around him, and a top coach.

If it doesn't work out, he's young enough to either be patient at Chelsea or secure a move away.

Old, Ungifted and White

Perhaps Paul Stewart but Chris Armstrong scored 23 goals that season so I couldn’t see anyone toppling him from top spot.

Mama?

Thought you'd morphed into ABBA

With the Chelsea takeover signed off by the Government yesterday, likely there will be significant funds available for their squad to be strengthened. Which will make it harder for Conor to get a squad place. Clearly many other clubs would take him, but you’d hope we’d be in with a shout of getting him on loan again?