Fabrizio Romano says Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard 'really loves' Chelsea's Conor Gallagher

By Shamanth Jayaram

After journalist Josh Holland claimed on GiveMeSport that he could see Chelsea star Conor Gallagher joining Aston Villa this summer, Fabrizio Romano has had his say on the rumours.

The 22-year-old Englishman spent the whole of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, and he was phenomenal under Patrick Vieira. He scored eight goals, provided five assists, and even earned himself an England call-up.

Palace would undoubtedly love to have him back for next season, while plenty of other clubs will likely be keen to sign him as well – either on loan or on a permanent deal, the latter would apparently cost a fee in the region of £30 million (Birmingham Live).

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard may well be one of those who could try their luck this summer as he apparently ‘loves’ Gallagher and rates him very highly.

• ‘I love this player’: Rio Ferdinand claims Conor Gallagher will ‘go right to the top’

Fabrizio Romano: Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard ‘loves’ Conor Gallagher

Speaking on the Que Golazo podcast, Romano said about the rumours: “Great player, Steven Gerrard loves him, Steven Gerrard really loves him and rates him highly.

“But, he’s not the only one, because also Thomas Tuchel wants to see this boy.

“I think he will stay with Chelsea in pre-season. They will decide together with the player what’s the best solution looking at the market.

“I’m sure Thomas Tuchel wants to keep an eye on this boy, and same for Armando Broja, before accepting any proposal.”

• Marcelo Bielsa praises Conor Gallagher

TBR View:

It is no surprise at all that Gerrard loves Gallagher, we all do!

The 22-year-old was among the best players of his age in the country last season. He had already impressed people with his performances on loan in the season before the last one at West Brom, but he took his game to a whole new level with the Eagles.

With the amount of quality Chelsea have got in midfield, there’s a good chance that Gallagher could be loaned out again. A season at Aston Villa under Steven Gerrard, after a year under another legendary former midfielder in Vieira, would really benefit him ahead of the World Cup this year.

It will be interesting to what will happen with Gallagher this summer. If he really impresses in pre-season, Tuchel may well decide to keep hold of him for the upcoming campaign.

• Gallagher thanks ‘amazing’ Crystal Palace man for helping him become an England international