Paul Robinson raves about Conor Gallagher amid Leeds United speculation
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson was blown away by Conor Gallagher’s performances on loan at West Brom last season and would be impressed if Leeds United can sign the Chelsea midfielder.
According to 90min, the 21-year-old had undergone a medical at Leeds after being shown around Thorp Arch, before deciding at the last minute to pull the plug on a loan switch to Elland Road.
It is understood that the England Under-21 international is now on the verge of joining Crystal Palace on a temporary deal after his decision to snub Leeds.
Robinson feels that Gallagher could have continued his development under Marcelo Bielsa in West Yorkshire.
“I was impressed with him last year,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“I think if you can add a player like that to the squad, it would be a huge benefit.
“I was really impressed with him and the fact Chelsea don’t want to sell him tells you a lot.
“He’s obviously not the finished article, there is some development that needs to be done. But you saw how he played last season on loan, he was a key component at West Brom.
“He’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s better going forward and would definitely be a good addition.
“If Chelsea aren’t willing to sell but you can get someone in like that on loan, it would be a great signing for Leeds.”
Leeds seem to be pushing hard to sign a central midfielder now that they have all but found a replacement for Kiko Casilla in Norwegian goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.
Pablo Hernandez left at the end of last season and as Stuart Dallas could be needed to cover the left-back and right-back positions, Bielsa could be left short in the midfield engine room.
Of course, Adam Forshaw is on the road to returning to fitness after a two-year battle with injuries and he could come into contention further down the line.
But as it stands, Bielsa’s midfield options are light and missing out on Gallagher is a blow.
In other Leeds United news, everything indicates the Whites are set to sign this international midfielder.