Crystal Palace are monitoring the situation of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher ahead of the January transfer window. The club's long-standing interest in the 26-year-old England international has resurfaced as manager Pierre Sage seeks to address a difficult start to the season.

Gallagher is a familiar and popular figure at Selhurst Park following a successful loan spell from Chelsea in the 2021-22 campaign. He made 39 appearances that season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists, a period his most productive in senior football. Palace were keen to bring him back permanently last summer before he ultimately joined Tottenham.

Gallagher's current situation

His role in north London has been limited this term, with just four starts in all competitions and only one in Tottenham's last six Premier League matches. Despite this, a January departure is considered unlikely due to his perceived importance to the Spurs squad. Analyst Callum O’Connell noted the competition for his signature, saying, "I’ve heard Leeds and Everton both mentioned in the last couple of weeks, and I know that Crystal Palace are obviously long term admirers of him as well."

O’Connell also reflected on Gallagher's time in south London. "I think probably still it would be fair to say that he played his best football during that loan spell at Palace from Chelsea a couple of years ago," he said.

Palace's pressing need

The pursuit comes at a critical time for Crystal Palace, who are 19th in the Premier League with just seven points from nine games. They have conceded 21 goals, the second-worst defensive record in the division, and are 20 points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Their recent form shows one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham on October 31st.

Manager Pierre Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner in the summer, is under pressure to find solutions quickly. The team's next challenge is a formidable one, hosting sixth-placed Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

While a deal for Gallagher in January appears a long shot, the renewed links show Palace's desire to add proven Premier League quality to a struggling midfield. The club's hierarchy are expected to be active when the window opens as they fight to climb away from the relegation zone.

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