Eddie Howe told he must sell first to sign long-term target – The Guardian

According to The Guardian, Eddie Howe is still keen on signing Conor Gallagher – but has been told he must sell first to raise funds for the £40m-rated Chelsea midfielder.

Gallagher is someone Howe has admired for a while now. We’ve attempted to sign him on loan in previous windows, however, a permanent move now looks likely after bids from West Ham this week.

Chelsea are willing to part with their academy star but only for the right price. The Hammers have been told to up their offer, yet anything beyond the £40m seems excessive and the sort of fee Newcastle are unlikely to pay, as things stand.

If Newcastle were to place a bid, it seems another significant sale would be needed for FFP reasons – despite already selling Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi side Al Ahli.

It’s unlikely that Howe would be willing to pay such a huge fee for a position that isn’t an utmost priority at the minute, but this is still one deal to keep an eye on if West Ham fail to agree a fee. A loan to buy could be deal, yet it’s unlikely our ‘big six’ rivals consider doing us such a favour.