West Ham do “want to sign” Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to HITC Football.
The Hammers have joined Tottenham and Newcastle in pursuing the England international, who is closing in on the final year of his contract with the Blues.
It is believed that Gallagher’s preference is to remain at Stamford Bridge but his current club have not offered him an extension despite talks having been held.
The 24-year-old is currently earning just £50,000 a week and, as he is a regular starter for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, he is due a sizeable wage rise.
However, it appears that Gallagher could be forced out as Chelsea look to balance the books to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
How much would Gallagher cost?
When the midfielder was linked with a move during the January transfer window, it was reported that his valuation was around the £50m to £60m mark.
Due to Gallagher’s contract situation, though, it’s unlikely that his club could hold out for more than £30m this summer, making him a very attractive target for the likes of West Ham.
West Ham’s interest in Gallagher may not last
There is huge uncertainty over the future of David Moyes. In his pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Brentford, the Scot confirmed that he had been offered a new contract.
Moyes’s current deal expires at the end of the season but he has yet to decide whether to stay, with rumours suggesting that he is unhappy that he will have less say over transfers.
For that reason, the Irons’ pursuit of Gallagher is uncertain. If Moyes departs, the interest in the Chelsea star may fade. Even if the manager stays, the club may switch to other targets, with technical director Tim Steidten likely to be given more power in who is signed this summer.