Revealed: Chelsea set Conor Gallagher asking price amid Aston Villa talks - but Unai Emery's side aim to talk Blues down by offering star in exchange deal

According to The Guardian, Villa boss Unai Emery is desperate to bring the England international to the Midlands and the club have reportedly opened talks to sign Gallagher. However, they will have to match the Blues' asking price of around £50 million ($64m) for the midfielder.

Villa, though, believe they can convince Chelsea to lower their asking price by including striker Jhon Duran as part of the deal. The Stamford Bridge team are said to have been monitoring the 20-year-old for several months.

Villa are preparing to embark on an exciting new adventure in the Champions League next term and need to draft in reinforcements if they are to be competitive against Europe's giants. Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Douglas Luiz and the Villans would need to at least bring in a replacement to avoid weakening their squad over the summer.

Most players would prefer to have their future sorted after a big international tournament but Gallagher may find his club situation decided before England's Euro 2024 campaign has concluded. If Chelsea must sell to meet financial fair play rules for the season that has just ended, there may be a rush to get a deal done before June 30.