Connor Gallagher has been one of the stars of the Premier League this season thanks to his outstanding performances for Crystal Palace.

Due to his success with the Eagles on loan from Chelsea, the 21-year-old's immediate future has come into question as to whether he will stay at Selhurst Park or make an early return to Stamford Bridge in January.

What's the word?

Chelsea correspondent Sam Inkersole has made a claim about Gallagher that will leave Crystal Palace fans buzzing.

The journalist took to Twitter on Thursday to squash rumours of an early return to west London for the midfielder, tweeting: "Exclusive: Understand Conor Gallagher is, as it stands, not expecting a recall to #CFC in January despite Chelsea's growing injury list in midfield. Targeting a first team spot at the club in 2022/23."

This will come as a huge relief to both Patrick Vieira and Palace fans as Gallagher has been instrumental to keeping the Eagles well clear of a relegation battle in the Premier League so far, with four goals and three assists from midfield already in the current campaign.

It was thought that the 21-year-old would return to Stamford Bridge after a number of injury problems plaguing the Chelsea squad, but Thomas Tuchel appeared to rule out an early callback when speaking in a press conference in November.

The Blues manager said: “I think it is important for him to be happy where he is and not change things. It is important to be calm, I feel him happy there and that he is having this impact at Crystal Palace."

The future is bright

Gallagher is clearly making waves at Crystal Palace and getting the attention he rightly deserves from the right people, including England manager Gareth Southgate, who gave the youngster his first senior England call-up in the last international break.

The youngster is getting lots of first team football with 15 appearances so far for Patrick Vieira's side, which means he is getting the opportunity to showcase his talents weekly. If he were to make an early return to Stamford Bridge, he would likely spend a lot of time on the bench in Tuchel's heavily rotated Chelsea side, which could hinder his development and affect his chances of further England call-ups.

Staying at Palace until next summer and continuing to shine playing a significant role in their starting XI could increase Gallagher's chances of capturing the attention of Southgate again, which could possibly lead to being called up to the England squad for next year's World Cup.

The future is bright for Gallagher, and working with Crystal Palace to secure a safe position in the Premier League in the second half of the season and developing his game should be the current focus. Given his contributions to the south Londoners already, it is a huge boost for Vieira and co that Chelsea seemingly have no plans to end his loan ahead of schedule.

In other news: Vieira could use his connections to bring this maestro to Selhurst Park