Conor Gallagher has opted to stay at Chelsea this season amid summer interest from West Ham, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has returned to the Blues after his impressive loan at Crystal Palace last term, with the midfielder proving to be a crucial player for the Eagles.
It was his fourth spell away from the club having previously featured for Charlton Athletic, Swansea City and West Brom.
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His performances at Selhurst Park led many to believe he could be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at Chelsea this season, and he featured heavily in their pre-season schedule.
Gallagher was then awarded his first ever appearance in the 1-0 win against Everton on Saturday when he came off the bench late on against the Toffees.
There is heavy competition for places in the Chelsea midfield this season with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic all proving to be crucial to the side in previous seasons.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek also made a strong impression last season, and the Blues have recently signed Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, with the 18-year-old not expected to go out on loan.
However, the Guardian have reported that Gallagher has no intention of leaving the club this summer.
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West Ham are believed to have made an enquiry about the central midfielder, but the east London side were soon told that he does not want to leave.
Gallagher came on for goalscorer Jorginho against Everton, albeit for the remaining few minutes of the match.
Back in July, he revealed his belief that he is ready to play a key role for Chelsea this season.
He said: "I feel like I was ready to make the step up to Chelsea this season.
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“The boss said that he wants me around and he thinks I'm good enough. Hopefully I can play a big part this season."
After the victory at Goodison Park, Tuchel said that his side are not yet on the ‘highest level’ despite the win.
“We are not on the highest level,” said the German boss.
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“Players came in late. Pre-season was turbulent. We had high training last week. We had not enough movement on the ball, more ball losses.
“Strange second half. 10 minutes extra time in the end, strange.
"We hang in and kept a clean sheet so from here we go. We struggled last season to get points. We have them. A win is a win, it's the most important. We have to get better."
Topics: Conor Gallagher, Chelsea, West Ham United, Premier League
Robert Calcutt