Chelsea blocked Newcastle United from signing Conor Gallagher as the Blues view Eddie Howe’s side as a genuine rival in the Premier League, according to The Times via Metro.

Newcastle United have been transformed into genuine title contenders from relegation-battlers after being taken over by the Saudi Arabian-backed Public Investment Fund.

Newcastle have only lost once in the Premier League this season and beat Southampton on Tuesday night to book their place in the EFL Cup final.

Newcastle United made a move for Gallagher on transfer deadline day but the Blues weren’t interested in negotiating a transfer for Gallagher.