Newcastle United have reportedly targeted Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher as a possible early signing under the new control of a Saudi-led consortium.

Following last week's successful takeover of the Magpies, and financier Amanda Staveley's aims of topping the Premier League in the coming years, the North-East club have been linked with a host of possible targets, and the hierarchy are now said to want Gallagher as one of their first signings.

According to Football London, the new ownership see Gallagher at the top of a list of potential new midfielders, ahead of a possible January swoop.

After a spell on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, Chelsea sent the 21-year-old back out this campaign, with Gallagher now plying his trade for Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace.

In six Premier League appearances this season, the England Under-21 international has netted two goals, both of which came in a comeback to earn a 2-2 draw with West Ham United, and he has attracted plenty of interest, with the Magpies now set to enquire in the upcoming window.

Such a move would see Gallagher's loan spell in south London come to an abrupt end at the half-way mark of the campaign, after the Eagles initially signed him on a season-long loan deal from Thomas Tuchel's side. body check tags ::