Sunderland eye transfer for 22-cap international who is a ‘manager’s dream’
Bolstering their midfield appears to be one of the priorities for Sunderland in January.
Sunderland’s latest defeat to Fulham may have ended their four-game unbeaten run, though it will have done little to impact their ambitions for the season.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus wants a top 10 finish in the Premier League for the Black Cats, and their business in the winter is likely to reflect that.
With that in mind, adding another central midfielder to the squad seems to be a priority for Sunderland, who have been linked with a player likened to Frank Lampard.
Conor Gallagher emerges as Sunderland target
After Sunderland were linked with Mateo Guendouzi once again ahead of January, it became clear that they would be looking to add an extra body in that area of the pitch.
Now, Sky Sports have reported on Monday that Sunderland are keen on signing Conor Gallagher, with several Premier League clubs said to be waiting in the wings if Atletico Madrid open the door for an exit.
Gallagher joined Atleti from Chelsea last summer, making 67 appearances since, though the 22-cap England international has been afforded just two starts in La Liga so far this season.
His transfer fee at the time was £35million, and the report claims that is what clubs would have to pay to bring him back to England this summer.
If Sunderland are to pursue a deal, it would see him become their club-record signing, after the arrival of Habib Diarra from Strasbourg in the summer for a fee in the region of £30m.
What has been said about Conor Gallagher?
Gallagher has never been a flashy player to catch the headlines, though he has also been influential in the role he plays.
His work rate is second to none, and that is one aspect of his game that former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira highlighted back in 2021, when he had the Englishman at Crystal Palace.
He said: “Conor has this passion for the game when he is on the field like a Ray Parlour, but I would say he has maybe the quality finishing of a Frank Lampard.”
“It is a manager’s dream to have a player like Conor because when he is on the field, he will give everything.”
However, Vieira isn’t the only ex-Premier League manager to have lauded Gallagher for his attitude, with former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino also highlighting that area of his game.
“He’s always 200 per cent in every single appearance and training,” Pochettino said.
“He needs to keep performing and keep this commitment always, as it’s one of his best skills.”
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