chairman Steve Parish insists the club will attempt to extend Conor Gallagher’s loan and has revealed that a move for Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also being considered.
Gallagher has thrived during his loan spell at Selhurst Park this season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the Premier League.
Chelsea are already considering the prospect of keeping Gallagher at Stamford Bridge next season, although the 22-year-old faces strong competition for a place in ’s midfield alongside N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and .
Meanwhile, Loftus-Cheek is aiming to secure a more regular role in the team and has boosted his chances with a goal in Chelsea’s 2-0 win against Palace in the semi-final on Sunday.
Loftus-Cheek spent a season on loan at Palace and Parish has revealed that he will target a move for the 26-year-old if Gallagher stays at Chelsea next season.
When asked if the competition for places in ’s squad could work in Palace’s favour if they want to keep Gallagher for another season, Parish told : ‘Of course. But the player is the number one person.
‘He knows exactly what his priorities are and he knows exactly what he’s doing.
‘I’m sure at the end of the season. Conor will work out what he thinks the best thing for him is and that will that will be the catalyst for it.
‘If there’s an opportunity to get him or even then of course.
‘These are top players and it’s been brilliant having him here this year, not just because of what he does on the pitch. Also because of the way he is around the place, the way he is with the media and supporters and because of how special a lad he is.’
Meanwhile, Loftus-Cheek believes he is finally over his injury worries after being hampered by multiple issues during his career.
‘I’ve always believed I’m good enough to play for England. It’s just been that I’ve had to not think about it for a while. Just purely because I didn’t feel ready,’ said Loftus-Cheek.
‘I didn’t feel my best, didn’t feel confident in my body. Now I can say my body doesn’t go through my mind. I feel fit. I feel strong. I feel quick. And on the ball, I’ve never second-guessed that.
‘I just want to kick on but I have to take it day by day, game by game. Okay, it’s in the back or your head but it’s not the main focus.’
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