Chelsea ‘could SNUB Declan Rice transfer with Tuchel set to make Conor Gallagher key part of senior squad next season’

CHELSEA could reportedly opt against a move for West Ham’s Declan Rice and instead promote Conor Gallagher to their senior squad.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is set to be heavily backed during the summer as owner Roman Abramovich looks to get the club challenging Manchester City for the title.

Chelsea have been linked with England star Rice for several months.

However, the claims that Gallagher’s form on loan at Crystal Palace has potentially convinced Tuchel to change his plans.

The German coach has been impressed with the 22-year-old’s performances at Selhurst Park.

Now he is convinced that the midfielder is ‘ready to compete’ for a regular place when he returns back to Stamford Bridge.

And his comeback should add yet another option to Tuchel’s already stacked options in the middle of the park.

The Hammers are determined to hang on to Rice, who is also wanted by Manchester United, and they may price him out of a move.

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni is another player being watched by Chelsea.

But even though they are still considering moves for both, they also know that they still have plenty of strength in depth with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek as well as Gallagher’s return.

On-loan Saul Niguez is expected to return to Atletico Madrid while the club are open to offers for Ross Barkley.

⚽ Read our Football News Live blog for breaking news, transfer gossip and must-read stories