Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has admitted that Conor Gallagher could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, conceding that "anything could happen".

The England star has been the subject of intense transfer speculation which has suggested that the 24-year-old could be sold. Chelsea are thought to be close to Premier League spending limits and are considering selling a number of academy players.

The sale of such youth graduates count as 'pure' profit within Profit & Sustainability Rules, in that it essentially cost nothing for the club to bring acquire their services. Speaking in a press conference during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the USA, Maresca refused to rule out an exit for Gallagher - or any of his teammates.

He said: "At the moment, Conor will be back with us at Cobham. He will be in Cobham in the next days. If the transfer window is open, anything can happen. Not only for Conor but for all of the players."

Reports in Italy claim Atletico Madrid have tabled a bid worth up to PS33m for Gallagher, with the playmaker apparently top of the Spanish club's transfer wish list. It is thought that Chelsea are in direct contact with Atletico with an agreement nearing.

In June, Gallagher said he was "really happy and excited" to work with new boss Maresca, adding: "We want to get Chelsea back to where they belong. So hopefully with the new manager we can start to progress and get to where we belong."

Gallagher - who has been linked to Aston Villa and Tottenham - has 12 months remaining on his Chelsea deal. Fellow Blues academy graduate Ian Maatsen has already been sold to Aston Villa for PS37.5m while Lewis Hall's PS28m deal with Newcastle went through earlier in the window.

Omari Hutchinson, previously of Arsenal's academy, was sold to Ipswich Town for PS23m while Cobham products Jamie Cumming, Michael Golding, Dion Rankine and Charlie Webster have all fetched fees this summer.

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