Conor Gallagher transfer decision reliant on World Cup plans - with Aston Villa hovering

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Conor Gallagher’s hopes of forcing his way into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad will have a bearing on any exit from Chelsea - and potential arrival at Aston Villa.

The midfielder has a cluster of Premier League suitors interested in securing his services and with the heart of Villa’s engine-room still a priority for manager Steven Gerrard, a first-team berth is what the 22-year-old needs to showcase his talents. Gallagher has been included in Southgate’s squads since the tail-end of last year and although he will be an outside bet for a call-up, his chances will improve markedly should he be commanding a regular slot in an established Premier League outfit.

Chelsea are reportedly in the hunt for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes. Boss Thomas Tuchel has plenty of cover in that area anyway. Under normal circumstances, Gallagher - following a successful spell last season on loan at Crystal Palace - might well want to stay and serve his time at Stamford Bridge, waiting for his chance to step up.

But the winter World Cup is now on the horizon for plenty of players and Gallagher will know that to have any chance at all of squeezing his name onto that squad list he needs to be playing.

Villa have not sent out too many of their fringe and up-and-coming