Conor Gallagher speaks out after Aston Villa approach to sign Chelsea midfielder

Conor Gallagher has refused to rule out the prospect of joining Aston Villa but insists he is ‘excited’ by Enzo Maresca’s arrival at Chelsea.

The 24-year-old is currently preparing for England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday evening and says he is fully focused on the tournament.

However, Villa are currently in talks over a deal for the midfielder, and it’s understood that Chelsea would be prepared to sell if their £50 million valuation is met.

Asked if he sees himself at Chelsea next season, Gallagher said on Thursday: ‘Well, I am a Chelsea player right now and like I said, now I am just thinking about England and the tournament.’

Gallagher also paid tribute to Mauricio Pochettino for helping him develop at Chelsea this season.

‘You’ve said it, I’ve just been focusing on England and this is the most important thing right now, for me, for the country, I just want to start the tournament now,’ the midfielder said.

‘I think I’ve come a long way this season. I give a lot of credit to Pochettino and for what he’s done for me. He gave me responsibility and trust at Chelsea and, I think like I said, it puts me in a better position to be a bigger part of the squad for this tournament. I’m going to do everything I can to help the team as much as possible.’

Asked how he felt about Pochettino’s exit, Gallagher said: ‘He’s done so much for me so I was sad for him and sad for the coaching staff.

‘But I’m really excited about the new manager coming in and myself and everyone at Chelsea are really excited to work with him.’

When asked how Pochettino improved him as a player, Gallagher said: ‘Yeah, he just showed his belief and trust in me which is what all a player wants, to be honest.

‘If a manager shows you a bit of love it makes you play better, long story short, it gives you confidence and that’s what he gave me.’

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