NEWCASTLE UNITED look to have missed out on one of their main summer transfer targets – with Conor Gallagher set to choose a loan switch to Crystal Palace over a move to either the Magpies or Leeds United.

Magpies officials held talks with the hierarchy at Chelsea when it became clear that Gallagher was going to be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge on loan this summer.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder impressed during last season’s loan spell at West Brom, but Thomas Tuchel does not feel he is ready for an extended spell in Chelsea’s first team and would prefer him to continue his development elsewhere next season.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce had hoped to be able to persuade Gallagher to uproot to the North-East, while Leeds’ Marcelo Bielsa also identified the England Under-21 international as a potentially valuable addition to his own squad.

However, Palace were always at the front of the chase, with their location in South London a key factor in their favour.

Gallagher is understood to have told Palace officials he wants to move to Selhurst Park, and the technicalities of the loan move should be completed in the next few days.

Newcastle continue to push for a return for Joe Willock, although there is not believed to have been any major changes in the Arsenal player’s situation in the last couple of days.