Conor Gallagher reveals Chelsea talks amid Aston Villa and Everton transfer links

Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Conor Gallagher with the midfielder aiming for his breakthrough season at Chelsea.

The 22-year-old earned plaudits for his performances last term while on loan at Crystal Palace, where the box-to-box midfielder produced eight goals and five assists. His form at Selhurst Park saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad and Gallagher will hope to add to his four caps for the Three Lions with the World Cup on the horizon.

Villa have been linked with a move for the Chelsea academy graduate this summer, while Steven Gerrard has admitted that the club are still "looking to strengthen" their midfield options. However, after previous loan spells at Charlton Athletic and West Bromwich Albion, Gallagher believes he is ready to finally make his mark at Stamford Bridge.

"I feel like this is the season," he told BBC Sport . "I've been a Chelsea fan my whole life, my family have, it's been a dream to play [for Chelsea] but I want to try and impress, and play as much football as I can and affect the game when I'm on the pitch.

"[Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel] said he wants me to be part of the squad and to prove myself in pre-season, so that's the plan. I'm happy with that and just willing to work as hard as I can to prove to him that I can play for Chelsea.”

He continued: "It's what I wanted to hear, it was a nice phone call that we had and it gave me a clear plan of pre-season and where I'm going to be. It was great to hear."

Despite having already become a senior international and made an impression in the top flight, Gallagher is still yet to play a single game for Chelsea. Though he faces a battle to force his way into Tuchel’s side, Gallagher admitted