Diego Simeone has personally told Conor Gallagher that Atletico Madrid are desperate to sign him, according to a report.

Gallagher seemed set to leave Chelsea for the Spanish side this summer after arriving in Madrid, but complications over Samu Omorodion's move to the Blues left it hanging in the balance.

The midfielder found himself on a flight back to England with his future unclear, but both sides are still keen to complete a deal that would see Gallagher join Atletico. 

Former Chelsea forward Joao Felix's potential return to Stamford Bridge seems to have provided Gallagher and both clubs the chance for the move to still go ahead. 

Atletico manager Simeone, who Gallagher could find himself playing under next season, has made it known to the player that he wants him to join his squad, The Telegraph have reported.

It is suggested that Simeone, who has been in charge of the club since 2011, personally contacted Gallagher before he flew back to the UK to reassure him that he wanted him to complete the move.

The report suggests that the Argentine did not want Gallagher to return to England with any doubts over the move, which could yet be completed in the coming days.

The England international has already agreed personal terms and passed his medical with the Spanish side, but has now returned to training with Chelsea, practicing with the Under-21 side as well as fellow banished players Romelu Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah.

Atletico have already completed the signing of Julian Alvarez from Manchester City in an £81million deal, and they are keen to raise funds through the departure of Omorodion - and potentially Felix - in order to sign Gallagher.

Gallagher, who has been with the Blues since the age of eight, is thought to have been told that he will only be a rank-and-file squad player as part of new manager Enzo Maresca's set-up at Stamford Bridge. 

However, as he remains a Chelsea player, the club are believed to have told the player to return to England while talks continue - with Gallagher returning to London on Tuesday.

Most recently, Chelsea announced the £54m signing of Pedro Neto from Wolves, confirming his move south during half-time in their 1-1 friendly against Inter Milan on Sunday. 

The winger's arrival brings the west London club's squad total up to an eye-popping 43 players, with 10 signings being brought in during this window alone.