Conor Gallagher: Chelsea midfielder shuts down transfer talk to focus on England’s Euro 2024 campaign

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has shrugged off speculation over his club future, saying he’s focused on the upcoming Euro 2024 with England.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure from the club.

Aston Villa and Tottenham are among the clubs said to be interested in Gallagher, with Chelsea – under new manager Enzo Maresca – reportedly open to selling the midfielder before his contract runs out at the end of next season.

Gallagher, however, insists that he is fully focused on the current task at hand in Germany.

He said: "I'm a Chelsea player right now but I'm just thinking about England and the tournament.

"This is the most important thing right now for me, for the country. I just want to start the tournament now.

"It's not difficult. I'm in a very privileged position to play for England and be at a tournament like this. I couldn't be happier with the situation I'm in."

Gallagher also paid tribute to Pochettino for the role he played in his development, and the knock-on impact that has had on his England prospects.

"I've come a long way this season. I give a lot of credit to Pochettino and what he's done for me,” Gallagher said of the former Chelsea manager, who entrusted him with the captain’s armband last season.

“He gave me responsibility and trust at Chelsea. It puts me in a better position to be a bigger part of the [England] squad at this tournament.

"He just showed his belief and trust in me, which is all a player wants to be honest. If a manager shows you a bit of love, it makes you play better, long story short. It gives you confidence and that's what he gave me.

“Of course, like I said [Pochettino] has done so much for me so I was sad for him and the coaching staff [to leave the club], but I'm really excited about the new manager coming in. Myself and everyone else at Chelsea are really excited to work with him.”

After being an unused squad player with England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Gallagher is now in contention to start England’s tournament opener against Serbia on Sunday, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton also pushing for selection in midfield alongside Declan Rice.

Gallagher said Gareth Southgate was delighted with his performance in England’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.

"I believe so,” Gallagher said when asked if that performance was his best in an England shirt. “The manager actually said that to me this morning as well, so it's really positive."

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