An initial report from Football London, later confirmed by The Athletic, claims Cobham graduate Conor Gallagher will spend the coming season on loan at London club Crystal Palace after already completing a medical exam.

Gallagher enjoyed a successful period in the league last season, clocking 3889 minutes in 45 games (all but one of total games played) for Charlton Athletic and Swansea City. He also managed 6 goals and 11 assists during that time, which is very impressive for a youngster’s first season in senior football.

It should be noted that Gallagher did as well as Mason Mount and Izzy Brown, both of whom spent a season in the second tier following an Eredivisie loan at Vitesse Arnhem, then immediately moved on to the Premier League. So the reported interest in Conor by newly promoted teams West Bromwich Albion and Fulham came as no surprise until Palace finally won the race for the coveted youngster.

While the Eagles don’t play with a traditional No.10, where Gallagher thrived for Swansea City, he can play a number of other roles in Roy Hodgson’s squad, be it in a 4-5-1 or a 4- System 4-2. The 20-year-old is versatile and has covered a number of midfield roles for Diamond-shaped Charlton Athletic. he may not yet be destined to play in a double pivot in the Premier League, but may well find a place as No.8 in a three-way or wide midfielder similar to the role played by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Hodgson on loan three years ago.

Wherever Gallagher ends up playing, the chances of establishing himself as a regular starter are hopefully a minimum requirement on this loan. Loftus-Cheek’s success at the club sets a good precedent, but more often than not Premier League loans have proven detrimental to the progress and momentum of academy graduates so far. Hopefully Conor will be among those to turn the tide!