Along with Crystal Palace, Chelsea could be the big beneficiaries of the south London club’s shift in transfer policy.
Palace targeted young players this summer in a bid to lower the age of their squad. Will Hughes became their oldest outfield addition on Saturday aged 26 with the rest 25 or under.
Midfielder Conor Gallagher fits the age profile but, unlike his fellow arrivals, only joined on loan. On the evidence of his first two league games Gallagher will return to Chelsea much improved. Either ready to challenge for a place in their squad or significantly higher in value.