Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that he has heard from people close to Conor Gallagher that the most likely outcome is for the player to remain at Chelsea in January.
A whole host of different outlets have reported over the last week that Chelsea have decided to put Gallagher up for sale in order to fund moves for their top January targets (The Athletic).
Unsurprisingly, it has been widely reported that Tottenham will try again to secure the 23-year-old’s signature after their failed move last summer (Ben Jacobs), with Ange Postecoglou alleged to be a big fan of the England international (Fabrizio Romano – Daily Briefing).
Meanwhile, Gallagher continues to be a mainstay in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting eleven, with the Argentine hinting last week that he would keep the player if it was up to him, but also admitting that the final decision would be made by the club’s hierarchy (The Independent).
Conor Gallagher is now likely to stay put at Chelsea
Jones has now said that as things stand, those around Gallagher still believe that a January move from Chelsea is unlikely for him.
The journalist opined that no side is likely to meet the West London club’s £50m asking price for the midfielder during next month’s transfer window.
When asked about Gallgher’s situation, Jones told GiveMeSport: “This is a situation that will really tell us whether the Chelsea ownership are learning and listening to the people around them that actually know about football – or whether they will just continue to do things their way.
“I’ve spoken to people close to Gallagher and he wants to stay and the people around him continue to feel that is still the most likely outcome here. Pochettino also really likes him – so that’s another big tick to him staying.
“But then we get towards the other side of it, evaluating his value and FFP and whether the owners know better and will actually look to cash in. It is clear right now that they are tempted to do that.
“But who is going to genuinely pay £50million for him in January? It’s extremely difficult to see how a move at that price point opens up in the next month.”
Spurs Web Opinion
With Gallagher seemingly no closer to signing a new contract, it does appear as if Chelsea will cash in on the midfielder if their asking price is met.
I am sure that Tottenham will try to get a deal over the line as the North London club would realise that they might not get another opportunity to sign the 23-year-old if they pass up on him on this occasion.