Chelsea intend to add Conor Gallagher to their squad this summer.
The London Evening Standard says Gallagher will be thrust into Chelsea's first-team plans next season in a move that could alter Thomas Tuchel's summer transfer strategy.
Roman Abramovich will back his manager heavily in the next window, with the Russian owner convinced that Tuchel can mount a serious challenge to Manchester City.
But the plans for Gallagher, who will return from a season-long loan at Crystal Palace this summer, place doubt over moves for other midfield reinforcements – including West Ham's Declan Rice.
Tuchel has been hugely impressed with Gallagher, who has been one of the breakout stars of the Premier League season at Selhurst Park.
That has convinced him that the player is ready to compete for a regular first-team role when he returns to Stamford Bridge, which will add more depth to an already well-stacked midfield department.
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