Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher wants Thomas Tuchel to assure he will play ‘enough minutes’ ahead of the World Cup later this year amid Premier League transfer interest, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has been included in the Blues squad so far this season, and made his first start for the club in the 3-0 loss to Leeds United on Sunday.
Gallagher previously spent time at four different clubs on loan, with his most recent spell at Crystal Palace proving to be a highly successful move for him.
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He thoroughly impressed at Selhurst Park and has so far been rewarded with minutes for Chelsea at the start of the current campaign.
Upon his return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season, Gallagher spoke on his future and revealed he is ready to play for the club.
"I told him (Tuchel) what I thought and he said what he thought,” said the Cobham academy graduate.
“I said I think I’m ready to play for Chelsea. Patrick’s (Vieira) not been sure of my plans for next season. He might find out through this.
“It was 15 or 20 minutes and we both got out of the phone call what we needed. It was clear after that.
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"I feel ready for a step up in my career. If there is a chance to be a part of the team at Chelsea then I can’t turn it down. I’ve got to have belief in myself that I can show the fans and the boss what I can do.”
Now, as the season continues to progress, Gallagher is keen to ensure that he gets ample game time ahead of the World Cup.
According to talkSPORT, the midfielder wants Tuchel to assure him that he will play ‘enough minutes’ this season in the hopes of being named in the England squad.
He has been the subject of a lot of interest from Premier League sides over a move before the end of the window.
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Palace are thought to be keen on bringing him to south London for the second time, but only if his current club agree to let him leave on loan.
West Ham and Everton are also said to be interested, with the latter wanting him to be included in any potential deal for Chelsea target Anthony Gordon.
The transfer window closes next week and there are no guarantees that Tuchel’s side will accept offers for the player before the deadline.
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Gallagher could be in line for further appearances in the coming weeks, especially when they face Leicester City at home on Saturday.
N’Golo Kante is set to be on the sidelines due to injury, with Tuchel confirming: “We are talking about four weeks plus. I told you at the end of last season he is our key player.
"He gives something to our team that no other player in the world can give to any other team. That makes him a key player. If your key player is out, it’s a situation you don’t like but have to deal with. It has huge influence.”
Topics: Conor Gallagher, Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea
Robert Calcutt