Thomas Tuchel has been tipped to give Conor Gallagher a chance in the Chelsea first team next season.
The England Under-21 midfielder has impressed on loan with Premier League strugglers West Brom this term, having previously done well on loan in the Championship at Charlton and then Swansea.
And the Mail have picked up on reports that Blues boss Tuchel plans to hand the youngster an opportunity to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher has certainly caught the eye in the top flight, suggesting he could be a decent option for Chelsea in the future.
He said recently: I was excited to play in the Premier League after a step up from the Championship last season. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“Hopefully I’ll keep developing and improving. It’s been a tough season for West Brom so far. Premier League quality will punish you if you switch off, so you need to be concentrated and focused.
“I know people have other views on players going on loan and I’ve been at three different teams, but it’s three different experiences and teams with (different) styles, different managers and players.
“I’ve learnt a lot already in two years. Hopefully I can continue to learn as a player.”
Gallagher is certainly likely to face major competition for a midfield place at Chelsea given Tuchel’s many options.
And his emergence might have implications for Billy Gilmour, whose first-team chances have already been limited.
It seems unlikely that the two youngsters will get a run in the team together, so Gallagher being given a chance could make it even tougher for Gilmour to establish himself as a first-team regular.
