Aston Villa falling behind in the race to sign England international

Fabrizio Romano has this afternoon provided an update on the future of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Aston Villa have been heavily linked with the England international since the start of this summer's transfer window, and now his future looks like being resolved.

Romano, well known for his inside knowledge on transfers, has claimed that Spanish side Atletico Madrid are ahead of both Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race to sign him. They are understood to be the 'most interested' in securing a deal for the midfielder at this time.

Having entered the final 12 months of his current Chelsea contract and with no sign of the club extending that deal, Gallagher's future is up in the air. It is understood Chelsea have slapped a £50 million price tag on Gallagher and are keen to sell the player this summer, rather than losing him for free in a year's time.

It is unlikely that his future is to be solved until after the conclusion of Euro 2024 but it appears as though the interest from Atletico Madrid is 'genuine' and the club are hoping to negotiate a deal.

Gallagher, who scored five goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League last season, is said to be happy at Stamford Bridge but a move away from the club is looking increasingly likely. Gallagher was previously being tipped to be the man to replace the departing Douglas Luiz at Villa Park but Villa have cooled their interest due to the high asking price.

UTV