CHELSEA manager Thomas Tuchel not ruled out a potential loan move for young midfielder Conor Gallagher as Newcastle United weigh up their options with just over two weeks to go in the transfer window.

Following an impressive loan spell with Crystal Palace last season scoring eight goals in 34 appearances, the England international Gallagher has remained with Chelsea over the pre-season programme with the German boss running the rule over the midfielder.

In the opening two games of the Premier League campaign, Gallagher has made substitute appearances for the Blues being introduced late into the game but currently stands as fourth choice in central midfield behind N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic while Ross Barkley is another option.

Tuchel said: "Conor fights in central midfield. To be honest, it is a very tough fight for him because, at the moment, it seems we only have two places in central midfield.

"Given the amount of players we have for central midfield, it isn't ideal, I agree. But we have to do what's best for the squad, not just for each individual player."

Despite not making a start this season, the German manager Tuchel waxed lyrical about the 22-year-old energetic midfielder and says he has the ability to forge a future at the club in the years to come.

He continued: "I am a huge fan of Conor. He is a fantastic guy, and this is what we already knew, in the first weeks of training, he has shown how much of a step he has made through having so much playing time through his personality on the pitch.

"We are happy with him. He keeps on fighting, and this is what he does. I think he has everything to become very important in the next years at Chelsea."

However, when quizzed about the availability of Gallagher, Tuchel gave a non-committal answer as he added: "In general, nobody is for sale. Nobody is for sale, and everybody is for sale.

"It depends on what the player wants, how bad the player wants it, what we think about who is ready to pay a certain amount of money and then maybe everybody is for sale."

Newcastle have gone over a month without bringing any new signings into the squad. Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Matt Targett stand as the club's only signings so far.

Magpies midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out for the next three months with a hamstring injury which could further force the hand of the club to bring in reinforcements to midfield. Eddie Howe currently has Joelinton, Bruno Guimaeres, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson to choose from.

Newcastle have been active in their pursuit for a midfielder but thus far failed in their attempts. They lodged two rejected bids to lure attacking midfielder James Maddison to the club from Premier League rivals Leicester City with the Foxes unwilling to budge on their stance of selling.

The Magpies have made an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign after beating Nottingham Forest on the opening day and drawing with Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend.

Next up for Howe's side is a trip to reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday who have won both their games this season.