Enzo Maresca already lines up Conor Gallagher replacement with Chelsea star ‘in Aston Villa transfer talks’

ENZO MARESCA is targeting his old club – as Conor Gallagher edges ever-nearer the exit at Stamford Bridge.

Reports in the last 24 hours have suggested Gallagher is in early talks with Aston Villa as he plots a move away from Chelsea.

GettyConor Gallagher could leave Chelsea this summer[/caption]

Gallagher – who is expected to play a key part in England’s Euro campaign – only has 12 months left on his contract at the West London club.

And despite calls from fans to tie him into a longer deal, no contract has yet been agreed.

It has alerted a string of clubs but Villa have now raced to the front of the queue.

The Midlands-club believe he could prove a strong addition to the midfield and help them to build on the success they achieved last season.

They also believe he is capable of stepping up to play Champions League football and would suit manager Unai Emery’s style.
Gallagher’s exit will leave new manager Maresca with a major headache.

The midfielder is a fans’ favourite – and was seen as second to only Cole Palmer in terms of being Chelsea’s best player last season.

But SunSport can reveal Maresca is interested in signing one of his former players to fill the gap.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who was brilliant under Maresca at the King Power is top of his list to replace Gallagher.

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GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressed during Leicester’s Championship title win[/caption]

Dewsbury-Hall was tracked by Liverpool last season and is seen as a like-for-like swap and someone who Maresca is convinced he can make the step up to Chelsea.

But Leicester are unlikely to let him go on the cheap and are set to hold out for at least £40m for the midfielder.

The Foxes have no need to sell any of their players. Instead they are focusing on trying to boost their squad as they continue to search for a new manager.

Last week SunSport revealed Steve Cooper, the bookies’ favourite for the job, had indicated he would be interested in a switch to the King Power.

Cooper has turned down the chance to manage Burnley, with sources saying he is holding out for a job back in the top-flight.