Newcastle United are reportedly determined to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher before the end of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old is back at Stamford Bridge after a successful loan spell at Crystal Palace last season, and he is competing for a spot in the Chelsea side this term.
However, according to The Sun, Newcastle are desperate to bring the England international to St James' Park ahead of the transfer deadline.
The report claims that the Magpies view the midfielder as their prime target and are working to convince Thomas Tuchel's side to let him leave.
Gallagher has also had loan spells with Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion over the last few seasons.
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Meanwhile, Celtic have reportedly made an offer for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.
The 28-year-old only made six Premier League appearances for the Blues last season and is widely expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Celtic have made an offer for the midfielder, who could potentially make the move to the Scottish giants on an initial loan deal.
The report claims that the Hoops cannot afford to pay all of Barkley's £120,000-a-week wages but are hopeful of reaching a compromise with Chelsea over the next couple of weeks.
The former Everton youngster was not in the squad for his side's Premier League opener against the Toffees last weekend.
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Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest are reportedly in discussions over a move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Neal Maupay before the end of the window.
The 25-year-old's future has been the subject of speculation this summer, with a number of Premier League clubs said to be interested in his signature.
According to The Sun, Forest are currently in talks with Brighton over a £15m deal for the centre-forward, who joined the Seagulls from Brentford in 2019.
Maupay has scored 26 Premier League goals in 102 appearances for his current side, but he has entered the final 12 months of his contract with Graham Potter's side.
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Meanwhile, former Arsenal attacker Paul Merson has told Manchester United that they should have signed Conor Coady from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.
The England international recently left Wolves for Everton, but Merson has said that the Red Devils should have attempted to sign 29-year-old.
"They should have been going for Conor Coady, they need to play three at the back!" the pundit told Sky Sports News. "[Harry] Maguire, I don't want to keep going on, but Maguire can't run. You need to play a five at the back.
"Play in a three, he's a very good player. Comes out with the ball, he can pass it, he's a defender and he can get tighter. When he's playing in a four he can't go and engage because if he gets left one versus one, he's going to struggle."
Man United are currently bottom of the Premier League table, having lost their opening two matches of the season to Brighton and Brentford.
Matt Law
