£50 million midfielder set to make decision on future, Aston Villa pushing for a deal

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has decided when he will make a decision on his future at Stamford Bridge.

After having a good season under Mauricio Pochettino, the future of English midfielder Conor Gallagher looks uncertain with the Chelsea academy graduate having just 12 months left on his contract in West London.

HITC can confirm that Chelsea are still yet to offer the English midfielder a new contract at Stamford Bridge which is understood to be a source of huge frustration for Gallagher.

It is our understanding that the Englishman will wait until the end of June before making a decision over his future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s position

Chelsea’s hierarchy feel that selling Gallagher, along with the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja, is currently the best course of action for the club in order for them to invest elsewhere and they ideally want them sold this month.

With the West London club having to deal with the Premier League’s profit & sustainability rules, selling players who are homegrown could be the club’s best course of action due to the sales being pure profit on the club’s books.

HITC is told that Gallagher’s preference remains to stay at Chelsea, but they have told him that they do not intend on letting him run down his deal so that points to a sale this summer.

Gallagher, who has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship’s this summer, is understood to be a man in demand.

Premier League and European clubs keen

Sources have confirmed that Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have stepped up their interest in Gallagher with the Spanish manager of the opinion that the 24-year-old would be a good fit for his side with the club set to be in the UEFA Champions League next season. Villa have made contact with Chelsea about the situation.

Tottenham Hotspur have long been viewed as favourites for his signature, and remain firmly in contention – although Chelsea’s asking price, which is believed to be around £50m, could be an issue.

Newcastle United and West Ham are also understood to be interested but the price tag could also be a hindrance. On the continent, sources have confirmed that Atletico Madrid and Monaco are also interested.

However, HITC understands that Gallagher is waiting a few weeks which will see his situation at Chelsea firmed up, as some at the club believe they could yet make a late offer to keep the 24-year-old.

If no offer is forthcoming over the next few weeks, then Gallagher will assess his options that are available to him as he will be left with little choice.