UCL giants open talks to sign Chelsea midfielder

Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Chelsea over the transfer of midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The England international was one of the best performers for Chelsea last term, but he is expected to move on with his contract expiring next summer.

Atletico have already entered negotiations with the Blues for his services and they are prepared to pay around £30m up front to finalise a transfer.

The west London giants are likely to sanction his sale in the near future. They prefer him moving abroad instead of joining another English outfit.

Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have been credited with an interest, but Gallagher seems prepared to continue in his career in another league.

Atletico are looking for hard-working midfielder with a tireless workrate and Gallagher would be a perfect signing for manager Diego Simeone.

Aside from Gallagher, the Blues are expected to offload Armando Broja, Datro Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah in the current transfer window.