Chelsea to discuss personal terms with Aston Villa star Jhon Duran with transfer set to play key role in Conor Gallagher's Blues future

Chelsea have now received Aston Villa's permission to begin contract talks with Duran as they continue their search for a top goalscorer. The Telegraph has reported that the two Premier League sides have loosely agreed upon a £40 million ($50.7m) price tag. Chelsea also reportedly tried to sign the Colombian earlier this year during the winter transfer window but his injury at the time, halted any advances.

The deal would reportedly trigger Aston Villa to target Chelsea's Ian Maatsen and Conor Gallagher. Maatsen spent the second half of the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and impressed under Edin Terzic, however, Die Schwarzgelben are not willing to pay the Blues' £35million release clause, and as such, Unai Emery's side are now considering a move. The Villains are also targeting Gallagher and they hope that Duran's move may help in aiding the relationship with Chelsea to smoothen the deal for the midfielder.

As per the Telegraph's report, there may be some hurdles that may come up in contract talks between Duran and Chelsea as the Blues want to offer the player a "long, incentivised contract, rather than putting him straight on big wages" as they try to gauge the Colombian's character with the striker believed to be an 'unusual' character.

It is likely that Chelsea may try to close to deal with Duran before the end of this month at the latest, as they would like to prepare the squad for Enzo Marseca's first season. As for Gallagher and Maatsen, it is likely that the deals can only be sorted after the end of their Euros campaign.