Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says Conor Gallagher’s future is still up in the air

CHELSEA manager Thomas Tuchel insists he won’t be rushed into making a decision regarding Crystal Palace on-loan ace Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher has impressed at Palace with a total of seven goals and five assists in 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season.

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But Tuchel admits the midfielder’s future is up in the air as he hasn’t decided yet if the youngster is part of his plans ahead of next term.

However, the German head coach admits he is happy that the 22-year-old is still part of his squad.

Tuchel told Football London: “We won’t decide now.

“He needs to finish the season with Crystal Palace in the best possible way.

“We will see what he wants, what we want and then decide. I’m happy that he’s our player”.

This comes after recent reports suggested Chelsea could opt against a move for West Ham star Declan Rice and instead promote Gallagher to their senior squad.

It has also been claimed Tuchel is impressed with the England international’s performances at Selhurst Park.

But it now appears the 48-year-old tactician is not yet convinced that the Epsom native is ready to compete for a regular place when he returns back to Stamford Bridge.

The former Paris Saint-Germain manager has a stacked midfield at his disposal.

The likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are all offering Tuchel various different options in the middle of the park.

However, Saul Niguez looks set to return to Atletico Madrid once his loan stint ends in the summer and Chelsea are listening to offers for Ross Barkley.

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