Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge expects Conor Gallagher to remain at Chelsea next season following his loan spell with Crystal Palace.

The midfielder has impressed at Selhurst Park this term, so Bridge cannot see why the west London club would let him leave Stamford Bridge again.

What is the latest news involving Gallagher?

Prior to Chelsea's 2-0 win over Palace in the semi-final of the FA Cup, manager Thomas Tuchel told reporters that Gallagher could be a part of the European champions' squad next season.

"I believe that Conor can be a part of our squad and can play a role with us but I’m not the only one to decide. We need to speak after the season with everybody and we need to see what Conor wants," the German said (via Chelsea official club website).

He also went on to add: "His development is extraordinary and outstanding. He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and he has made a huge step in his development up front."

While Gallagher was not able to make an impact in that FA Cup semi-final after Chelsea turned down Palace's request to allow him to play, the £22.5m-rated 22-year-old has been so influential in the Premier League this season.

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From midfield, he has been scoring goals, punishing the likes of Manchester City, West Ham and Palace's fierce rivals Brighton.

What has Bridge said about Gallagher and Chelsea?

Bridge thinks Gallagher will be training at Cobham next season, suggesting that there is no reason for Chelsea to loan him out again given that he has now proven himself in the Premier League.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Sky Sports reporter said: "I would expect Gallagher to be part of the team next year. I don't see why they would want to loan him out again.

"I think he's proved that he's a really good Premier League player - that's what loans are about. What Chelsea gain from Gallagher is week in, week out, they see this boy getting man-of-the-match awards and turning games for Palace."

Should Chelsea loan out Gallagher again?

A lot depends on what happens with Chelsea's current midfield options. Gallagher has indeed proven that he can do it in English football's top division, but that will not necessarily open up a gateway into Tuchel's starting XI.

Currently, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are battling for two spots, so it is hard to imagine how Tuchel is going to afford Gallagher opportunities.

Kante and Jorginho, however, are out of contract next year, giving the Blues a decision to make this summer. Should either be allowed to leave in the upcoming transfer window, then it could open up room for the England international.

In that event, Chelsea should definitely keep hold of their academy product. If the Blues do sell one of their big hitters, though, you would expect them to sign a replacement, which would complicate things again for Gallagher.