Aston Villa are in talks to sign an England international this summer, it has been claimed.
Unai Emery is looking to enhance his squad this summer after achieving Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
And the manager is said to be a “huge admirer” of England star Conor Gallagher, with the Athletic claiming Aston Villa have held preliminary talks with Chelsea over a move for the midfielder.
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Gallagher is entering the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract and has reportedly emerged as Unai Emery’s top target.
Villa are also said to be in contact with Gallagher’s camp, with the club exploring a potential deal following the 24-year-old’s consistent form for Chelsea last term.
There is allegedly a healthy relationship between the two clubs, with the Blues hierarchy having dealt with Villa while they were signing Carney Chukwuemeka in 2022.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea reportedly retain a strong interest in Villa’s 20-year-old forward Jhon Duran.
The Colombia international was linked to Chelsea in January and is said to be among the candidates to strengthen their attack this summer. Enquiries for the player have also reportedly arrived from clubs in Italy, Saudi Arabia and Spain.
Despite appearing keen to sell Gallagher this summer, the player heaped praise on the club’s appointment of Enzo Maresca as manager.
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Speaking to Sky Sports he said: "[The appointment] is really exciting.
“I’ve heard and seen really good things. Myself and everyone at Chelsea are really excited to work with him.
“We want to get Chelsea back to where they belong so with the new manager we can progress to get where we belong."
On being appointed Chelsea head coach on a five-year deal Maresca said: “To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.
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“I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”
Chris Byfield