Thomas Tuchel outlines what must happen before Connor Gallagher joins the Chelsea first team

Thomas Tuchel insists no decision has been made over Conor Gallagher's Chelsea future despite being very happy with the impact the midfielder has made on loan at Crystal Palace.

Gallagher, who joined the Blues at the age of eight, has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this term and has struck seven goals and claimed five assists in 24 appearances for the Eagles.

Prior to joining Palace, Gallagher spent much of pre-season training under Tuchel at Chelsea. He caught the eye of the German coach, who was prepared to hand 22-year-old a place in the first-team squad.

But Gallagher's game time would've been limited with N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic already in situ at Stamford Bridge; it's why the decision was taken for the academy graduate to link up with Patrick Vieira for the 2021/22 season.

It's understood Tuchel has been hugely impressed with the instant influence gained by Gallagher, who earned his first England cap earlier in the campaign, at Selhurst Park and there is an expectation the midfielder will be incorporated into the first-team set-up next term.

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However, Chelsea's head coach says before that happens, conversations need to be had