CHELSEA will not be loaning Conor Gallagher to Newcastle United as they do not want to strengthen one of their rivals for Champions League qualification.

Newcastle have been pushing to sign Gallagher as a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey, whose permanent move to Nottingham Forest will be confirmed ahead of tonight's 11pm transfer deadline.

The Magpies had been keen on an initial loan deal for the England international, with a potential permanent transfer in the summer.

However, while Chelsea are still pondering what to do with Gallagher, with attempts to take Argentinian World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge still ongoing, the Blues hierarchy are adamant the midfielder will not be heading to St James' Park.

Newcastle currently boast a ten-point advantage over Chelsea in the Premier League table, and the Blues do not want to allow a situation where a player still on their books could play a pivotal role in preventing them from finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.

Crystal Palace remain interested in Gallagher, and with the Eagles not involved in the battle for a top-four finish, the 22-year-old could yet end the day at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle have cooled their interest in Sander Berge, who trained with Sheffield United as usual this morning, so there is now a good chance that the Magpies will end the day without a midfield addition.