Journalist Paul Brown has said that he does not think Chelsea would sell Conor Gallagher in January as the midfielder is too important for Mauricio Pochettino.
Gallagher has emerged as one of Chelsea’s key players under Pochettino but with the midfielder having just 18 months left to run on his contract, it has been suggested that the Blues are ready to cash in on the player in January (Daily Mail).
This was backed by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, who claimed last week that Chelsea are listening to offers for their academy graduate and Spurs will try to complete a deal for the player after failing to do so last summer.
A couple of days ago, TEAMtalk asserted that Ange Postecoglou’s side could land the England international for around £40m next month but added that the Lilywhites could face competition from Man Utd and West Ham for the player.
Will Conor Gallagher actually be sold in January?
Brown has now said that Pochetitno still has the final say on Chelsea’s transfer decisions, which is why he does not expect the midfielder to be sold without the Argentine’s approval.
When asked about the speculation over Gallgher’s future, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “I think it was always an upstairs decision to dangle Gallagher’s name out there. He didn’t want to leave. The manager doesn’t want him to leave. The fact that he was given the armband shows just how much trust the manager has in him.
“And when we asked Pochettino about plans in the transfer market, he’s very firm that nothing will happen without his approval. So it’s hard to see Gallagher going.
“If he is sold for whatever reason, I think it would be against his will. I think that would cause problems with Pochettino. So I’m 100% sure that the manager does not want Gallagher to leave Chelsea.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I think it is quite clear that Pochettino does not necessarily have the final say on incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge, with some decisions being made above his head. So, all indications are that the West London club will cash in on Gallagher next month if their asking price is met.