Former Chelsea star Conor Gallagher linked with shock reunion as Atletico Madrid plan hatched

Former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could reportedly be in line for a shock return to the Premier League - less than 12 months after joining Atletico Madrid.

The 24-year-old ended his 18-year association with the Blues in August as he joined the Spanish capital in a deal worth £34 million.

However, Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Gallagher could make a surprise return to the Premier League this summer as Atletico Madrid aim to overhaul their squad.

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It is claimed that Diego Simeone and the club's hierarchy were pleased with the England international's debut season at the Wanda Metropolitano.

But after starting just 50 per cent of Atletico's La Liga outings last term, Gallagher is not viewed as an untouchable part of the squad.

At this moment in time, Newcastle are reportedly leading the race to sign Gallagher, should he return to the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keeping tabs on the player's situation, with the north Londoners long-term admirers of the former Crystal Palace loanee with any potential return to the Premier League seeing him return to Stamford Bridge as an opposition player in an emotional reunion.

The report adds that the La Liga side's decision to sell Gallagher could come down to economics, with Gallagher, who has four years remaining on his current deal, viewed as one of the club's more lucrative assets who could help bolster their finances.

Simeone, meanwhile, made his feelings on Gallagher clear earlier this year. "When we think of him we think of his youth, energy and intensity in the game. He also strikes the ball very well," he said.

"It's never easy for players coming from England to adapt to the Spanish championship, to the language..."He has competed very well in different places and in positions where he doesn't feel more comfortable.

"He will evolve, he has room for growth. He is very intense in offensive and defensive play, he brings a lot to us."

Earlier this week, Atletico continued to raise funds to reshape their squad as it was reported that they agreed a £20m fee with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami for the sale of Rodrigo De Paul.

The Argentine World Cup winner has been a staple of the La Liga outfit's side since signing from Udinese in 2021.