"No way you can rule that out" – Journalist now drops intriguing Chelsea claim on £50m star

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been given reservations by Thomas Tuchel about getting chances at moving forward, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The £50m-valued star has featured in both of the Blues’ Premier League games at the beginning of this season, but he’s yet to start for his boyhood club.

Following his impressive loan spell at London neighbours Crystal Palace, Gallagher returned to Chelsea hoping to establish himself as a regular in Tuchel’s squad.

But competing against the likes of N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, the 22-year-old has already found opportunities hard to come by.

Gallagher did make his debut against Everton on the opening day and then make his Stamford Bridge bow eight days later as Chelsea drew 2-2 with Tottenham.

Speaking ahead of the Spurs game, Tuchel said: “To be honest, it is a very tough fight for him. It seems we only have two places in central midfield. Given the amount of players we have for central midfield, it isn’t ideal I agree. 

“But at the moment, he is absolutely fine. I am a huge fan of Conor.”

However, Phillips reckons that if Gallagher’s game-time doesn’t increase before the window closes next month, a loan deal remains a possibility.

When asked whether he feels Gallagher could seek a loan move late on in the window, he told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s no way you can rule that out at this stage, I think he’s going to have one eye on the World Cup.

“The decision was made from all parties after conversations with Tuchel and he got word from Tuchel, and he feels like he’s going to get the chances. Tuchel has told him there will be games available for him and he’s happy to stay and the decision to was made.”

Having proved himself as more than