Thomas Tuchel drops hint over Conor Gallagher's future at Stamford Bridge

Gallagher celebrates after scoring vs West Ham

Conor Gallagher may have caught the eye on loan at West Brom last season. But it's this campaign under Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace he's become a man in demand. 

Including an absolute worldie against Everton, the loan star has already scored six goals and registered three assists this season. Just one Chelsea player has been involved in more Premier League goals - and it's not any of the strikers. 

The midfielder's performances at Selhurst Park have been so good that Thomas Tuchel has been asked throughout the season if he would cut the loan deal short to bring him back to Chelsea in January.

While the Chelsea boss has been consistent in his response to let him continue his development with the Eagles, he has dropped a hint over the England U21's future at Stamford Bridge.

"We love Conor. We are convinced about him," said Tuchel.

"We took the decision for Conor because when we looked at the midfield – Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante – he was considered number four in the group.

"Conor knew this all the way. An opportunity came up where he could clearly see more minutes and more responsibility.

"Would he be the same Conor if he had stayed here? Obviously not, because the situation will then be different.

"Maybe, then, the same people would say, ‘How can they rely on Conor Gallagher’?, or ‘Why don’t they give him more minutes’?

"If Mateo hadn’t been injured, it wouldn’t really matter. So, no, you cannot go back to these decisions that are made for the club and for the player. Everybody agreed on it.

"And it’s obviously a good decision because he is doing so well and everybody is happy. That’s because he plays every single game, and knows how important he is to the team at Crystal Palace. This is a huge part of being at the best level you can be."

Crystal Palace is the academy starlet's fourth loan spell away from the club. Along with his stint under Big Sam at West Brom, he also spent time at Swansea and Charlton and never failed to impress.

With Jorginho's agent constantly flirting with a return to Italy and N'Golo Kante struggling with ongoing issues with his knee, it looks like Chelsea already have a solution to any problem going. 

Gallagher has made no secret of his desire to return to Chelsea and follow in the footsteps of Reece James and Mason Mount. While Tuchel seemingly remains a fan, next season could finally be his moment.