Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel 'has plans for Conor Gallagher next season'

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has reportedly already decided that Conor Gallagher will feature in his first-team squad next season.

The newly-capped England international has starred on loan at Crystal Palace this campaign, contributing seven goals and three assists from his 21 appearances in the Premier League.

Palace, as well as other English clubs, are likely to be considering a bid, temporary or permanent, for the 22-year-old in the summer.

However, according to the Evening Standard, every offer will be rejected with Tuchel wanting to keep Gallagher at Stamford Bridge.

While Chelsea are well stocked in that area of the pitch, Jorginho and N'Golo Kante are the wrong side of 30 and Saul Niguez will almost certainly return to parent club Atletico Madrid.

The report adds that retaining the services of Gallagher may impact on Chelsea's plans to target West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, providing that they do not part ways with other players in that position.