ASTON VILLA are preparing a move for Conor Gallagher, according to reports.
And they could use striker Jhon Duran as part of the deal, with the Colombian forward a long-term target for Chelsea.
Gallagher, 24, has one year left on his contract at Chelsea, and the Blues have not offered him a new deal.
The midfielder is in line to captain his club today, in what could be his final game for Chelsea according to The Telegraph.
A host of clubs are expected to be interested in Gallagher, with Chelsea interested in selling him to meet Premier League PSR requirements.
That’s because academy players can be listed as pure profit on the club’s balance sheet.
Spurs have been the front-runners for Gallagher’s signature, with their interest in the midfielder well publicised.
Ange Postecoglou is thought to be a big admirer of the England international.
But Villa will hope that their new Champions League status will give them an edge in their attempts to woo Gallagher.
Villa, like Chelsea, have also been struggling to meet PSR requirements but they will be hoping the incoming money from European footballer will boost their coffers sufficiently.
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They also hope Chelsea’s January interest in Dhuran will stand them in good stead for the deal.
It’s unlikely that Chelsea would favour a swap, as this can not be listed as pure profit on the balance sheet.
Chelsea have previously slapped a £50million price tag on Gallagher but with just a year remaining on his deal, this could drop.
The midfielder is likely to be a part of Gareth Southgate‘s England squad this summer and will not want a drawn out transfer process distracting him from the Euros.
The report also states that Spurs’ end of season collapse could affect their attractiveness to Gallagher.
They enter the final day three points ahead of Chelsea, and should they lose and Chelsea win, they would finish behind the Blues on goal difference.
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Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister,
Meanwhile, Champions League new boys Aston Villa are eyeing up Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
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