Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

EXCLUSIVE: Mourinho plotting second Chelsea raid with Roma switch catching star’s eye

Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher alongside Joachim Andersen at Crystal Palace

Roma boss Jose Mourinho is ready to tempt Chelsea star and Crystal Palace loanee Conor Gallagher with a move to Italy next season, TEAMtalk understands.

The 22-year-old can stake a realistic claim to being the signing of the season thus far in England. Gallagher joined Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea last summer and has earned rave reviews for his all-action performances under Patrick Vieira.

Indeed, Gallagher can often be seen hustling and harrying opposing defences with the same gusto in the 94th minute as he does in the first.

The midfielder has also shown he is more than capable of adding end product to his game. His tally with nine matches to go stands at eight goals and five assists.

At present, Chelsea’s off-field turmoil prevents them from signing or selling players. Those restrictions are expected to be lifted once a takeover is completed. That is something that should transpire long before the summer transfer window opens.

As such, Chelsea will have a decision to make regarding Gallagher’s future.

Thomas Tuchel could opt to keep Gallagher around and integrate him into his starting eleven. But with Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic on the books, Gallagher’s growth could be stunted if he is limited to a squad role.

The idea of another loan stint away has been floated across the media. Palace are obviously interested again, while Frank Lampard could utilise his Chelsea connections to bring him to Everton – providing they beat the drop.

Mourinho makes Conor Gallagher interest crystal clear

But Roma boss Mourinho, like so many, has also been hugely impressed by Gallagher.

If Gallagher, now an England international, is offered the chance to move on-loan again – we understand Mourinho has already made it known to Chelsea he would love to take him.

Roma and Chelsea have a good relationship having conducted the deal that saw Tammy Abraham move to Italy last summer. Roma believe a switch to the Eternal City could appeal to Gallagher.

Abraham is the latest player to experience a career surge upon ditching England for Italy. Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young both excelled with Inter, while Abraham and Chris Smalling are fan favourites in Rome.

Gallagher has spent the last two season out on loan – with West Brom and this term with Crystal Palace.

His ambition is to play for Chelsea. But it is not yet certain what Thomas Tuchel’s plans are for next season.

It is believed that if Gallagher did have to move out on loan, then a switch to Roma would appeal. That could also give him the chance to experience European football, something the likes of Everton and Palace can’t offer.

Roma currently sit sixth in Serie A which would be good enough for a Europa League campaign next year.