Transfer Talk: Chelsea braced for Gallagher bids

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is drawing a huge amount of interest from Premier League clubs this summer as the Blues weigh up a potential sale.

The England international featured 35 times in the top flight last term but may have to settle for a backseat role if he remains in West London.

New boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking to refresh his squad with N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic potentially on their way out of Stamford Bridge.

We take a look at where Gallagher could be plying his trade next term.

On the Bright side

Chelsea reportedly have a long-standing interest in Brighton star Moises Caicedo and rumours have emerged suggesting that the Blues could use Gallagher as a bargaining chip in a potential deal.

The Seagulls have a good relationship with the two-time Champions League winners, selling left-back Marc Cucurella last season while helping loanee defender Levi Colwill's development.

Gallagher's youthful energy would make him a neat fit for the South Coast side, who are set to flourish in Europe under Roberto De Zerbi next season.

The 23-year-old can play a deeper or more advanced role and fits the versatile setup at Brighton — making him a perfect Caicedo replacement.

Toon Army

Another possible destination for Gallagher is Eddie Howe's resurgent Newcastle.

The Magpies are set to step on to Europe's grandest stage in the Champions League next term and former Scotland international Ally McCoist believes the ex-Crystal Palace loanee would be a shrewd purchase for the Tynesiders.

He said: "Conor Gallagher is the kind of player I think that Newcastle would be going for. Young, hungry, that would make a signing.

"The way he plays the game, the Newcastle fans would take to him.

"He's high energy, great effort. Perfect."

London calling

Gallagher may have the chance to stay in London with both Tottenham and West Ham reportedly interested in Chelsea's No23.

Joining Spurs would see the midfield dynamo commit to Ange Postecoglou's revolution in North London, while a move to the Hammers would present the opportunity to play in the Europa League under David Moyes.

Declan Rice is almost certainly leaving the Europa Conference League champions this summer which would leave a huge hole in the Irons' engine room.

At Tottenham, rumours are circulating that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could have played his final game for the club and Daniel Levy is searching for a hard-working replacement to fill in while Rodrigo Bentancur recovers from an ACL injury.

A move across the city may be the most appealing option for Gallagher who would not have to leave his family but would mean Stamford Bridge chiefs strengthening a London rival.

Blues brother

Chelsea supporters are seemingly split on Gallagher with some keen for the Three Lions prospect to stay while others think co-owner Todd Boehly should take the money and run.

However, the midfielder's future may come down to Pochettino, who will undoubtedly be a big fan of his work-rate and desire to improve.

Last term, the Surrey native was Chelsea's fourth-highest scorer and only Cucurella made more tackles for the Blues than Gallagher's 46.

But with a contract that only runs until 2025, it may be time to make a decision on his next chapter as the Argentine boss looks to lead the Blues into a new era.