Sources: West Ham open official talks to sign Conor Gallagher

West Ham have opened talks with Chelsea over the signing of Conor Gallagher, sources have told Football Insider.

The Hammers are keen to add to their midfield options and on Sunday officially opened dialogue with their London rivals over the signing of the 23-year-old.

Gallagher is a target for multiple Premier League clubs but West Ham are the first to make a formal move as they look to strengthen their midfield following Declan Rice’s exot.

Fulham’s João Palhinha has also been targeted with a bid around £45million but it is understood Fulham are holding out for far more.

Gallagher will likely be far cheaper, with West Ham hoping to pay around £30m for the Englishman.

Harry McGuire is also a target and has been subject to enquiries but there is yet to be progress made on those negotiations with the Man United defender reluctant to leave.

James Ward-Prowse is also a player who has been looked at although no formal approach has been made yet by West Ham for the Saints captain.

Chelsea are open to the sale of Gallagher but they may have to secure their own midfield targets before sanctioning a sale, with a deal for Brighton star Moises Caicedo moving closer to completion.

The record sale of Rice was officially completed at the weekend and that now allows West Ham to go into overdrive in the market.

The Europa Conference league winners are keen to strengthen and avoid another relegation battle.

The England international, who was part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, made 45 appearances in the 2022-23 season – scoring three and assisting one. His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until June 2025.

In other news, West Ham lead Newcastle in race to sign £190,000-a-week star.