Tottenham face rival Premier League interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher – report

Aston Villa have been named as potential rivals to Tottenham Hotspur in pursuit of Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher is approaching the final 12 months of his contract with Chelsea, who are prepared to listen to offers for the academy graduate’s signature despite his prominent role in Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup.

North London rivals Spurs have long been interested in Gallagher and are likely to test Chelsea’s resolve with a bid this summer, although concerns over the Blues’ asking price have previously proven problematic in talks between the two clubs.

Now, however, The Telegraph state Gallagher has a new suitor in the form of Villa, who are looking to bolster their squad ahead of next season’s Champions League adventure.

Importantly, despite Chelsea’s willingness to listen to offers, Gallagher has not ruled out standing firm and remaining at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer and will only move if it makes sense to him.

Chelsea’s reluctance to keep players on expiring contracts was again made clear by co-owner Todd Boehly earlier this month as part of an explanation as to why the Blues hand out such long contracts to their new signings.

“The reality is in European football, if you’re on a seven-year contract, the way we look at it is really it’s a five-year contract, right?” Boehly began.

“Because the capitalisation of the transfer value is such that you’re never going to let a contract expire down to the last year. You’re either going to extend the contract or you’re going to figure out what’s next for that player.”

Pochettino has made it clear that Gallagher is an integral part of the squad but the boss himself is facing an uncertain future ahead of a review of his position which was planned when the two parties first shook hands last year.

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