Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier has reportedly been attempting to convince Conor Gallagher to join his former club Atletico Madrid this summer.
Gallagher wore the captain's armband for the majority of last season in the absence of the injured Reece James and was a crucial part of Chelsea's midfield under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 24-year-old made a total of 50 appearances across all competitions for the Blues last term, contributing seven goals and nine assists in that time.
However, the midfielder has just one year remaining on his current contract and has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea's Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are among the noted admirers of the midfielder, while Atletico and Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in his services.
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Atletico Madrid gain ally in Gallagher pursuit
Diego Simeone's side reportedly saw their £17m bid for Gallagher rejected by Chelsea earlier this summer, but they are set to return with an improved offer before the transfer window slams shut.
According to Football Insider, Atletico now have an ally in their pursuit of Gallagher in the form of his England teammate Kieran Trippier.
Trippier spent two-and-a-half years with Los Rojiblancos and won the Spanish top-flight title during his second season under Simeone.
The report adds that the Newcastle full-back has spoken "very highly of Atletico" during conversations with his England compatriot and encouraged him to consider the move.
Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that the La Liga outfit feel their English counterparts could be tempted to sell in the next few weeks.
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What next for Connor Gallagher?
Chelsea already have plenty of options in the middle of the park and have recently added Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to their ranks, who is expected to partner Cole Palmer as the team's primary attacking midfielders next term.
The Blues are therefore keen to sell Gallagher this summer and have reportedly informed him that he will only be a squad player under Enzo Maresca's new style.
Given that the 24-year-old is now in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, the Blues may consider reducing their asking price for him or they could risk losing him on a free transfer.
Having come through the ranks at Chelsea, selling the England international would represent pure profit for the Blues, who are believed to be looking at bringing in a new striker before the transfer deadline.
For now, Gallagher remains in the driver's seat regarding what happens with his transfer and could opt to allow his deal to wind down and move for free next year.
Devesh Jaganath
