The John Durant deal was widely accepted. Photo: Getty Images/Matt McNulty
Chelsea have been allowed to discuss personal terms with Aston Villa's John Durant, with the striker's future also key to the Midlands club signing the player from Stamford Bridge.
Telegraph Sport can reveal that, like Conor Gallagher, Villa have inquired about left-back Jan Maatsen, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Maatsen's contract has a £35m release clause that Dortmund are not prepared to honor, opening the door for Villa and other interested clubs. But Villa will only sign Chelsea players this summer if Durant completes his move to Stamford Bridge, with the west London club currently negotiating personal terms and carrying out background checks on the Colombian.
A deal is believed to be between the two clubs Durand, which could cost up to £40 million, has been largely agreed but hurdles remain to be overcome.
Chelsea would like to give Durant, 20, a long-term, incentive contract rather than asking for a big salary out of the gate, and they also want to have confidence in his character. Duran has a reputation as a quirky character, although Villa sources say he has never missed training and is not considered a so-called “bad boy”.
Villa manager Unai Emery was forced to agree to the sale Duran, whose potential at the club is considered sky-high due to profitability and sustainability rules which mean they must raise money to sign contracts and improve the team's readiness for a Champions League campaign.
Maatsen reached the Champions League final with Dortmund in a string of impressive performances and is currently playing for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Jan Maatsen is currently playing for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Photo: Getty Images/Luciano Lima
Chelsea midfielder Gallagher is also away to England at the Euros and has made it clear he wants to concentrate on the opening match against Serbia rather than his future. In addition to Villa, Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Gallagher.
As well as talks with Villa and Duran, Chelsea will hold further talks with Crystal Palace over a move for £60m-rated Michael Olise.
< p>Telegraph Sport understands the tricky clause in Olise's contract does not concern only Champions League clubs and that Chelsea are confident they won't have to pay more than any other club to get him.
Palace would prefer a direct contract. cash transfer for Olise, although the deal with Chelsea would open up the possibility of sending players to Selhurst Park on loan this summer.
Bayern Munich and Newcastle United have also approached Palace, but Chelsea are leading the way race for Olise, whose brother Richard already plays for the club.
Villa are expected to complete a deal for Douglas Luiz to join Juventus, with the club raising around £20 million and bringing in the midfielder Weston McKennie, who could be used at right-back, as well as former Chelsea first-team player Samuel Ealing Junior.
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