06 January 2024 , 20:30
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Conor Gallagher is expected to remain at Chelsea this month despite interest from Tottenham.
The Blues are still willing to listen to offers for the England international midfielder this window but he is currently valued at up to £60million. While a £50m bid might give Chelsea something to think about, there are still no guarantees it would be enough to get a deal over the line.
Spurs are firm admirers but they're not likely to match that figure and Gallagher is determined to stay at Chelsea. He views Stamford Bridge as home and is targeting a starting berth at this summer's European Championships with England - something that could be jeopardised by a change of scenery.
Leaving Chelsea is not currently on his agenda but there has still been no notable progress over a contract extension despite Mauricio Pochettino's desire to keep him. And if that remains the case heading into the summer, Gallagher will be in control of his destiny as his contract is due to enter the final 12 months.
Other clubs would then also be expected to enter the running with Newcastle and West Ham already big fans of Gallagher. Chelsea know that if they don't move soon, they risk his value decreasing. Pochettino insisted on Friday that the club are happy with him. "I think we need to talk about many many things. I think it's clear that Conor still has a one-and-a-half-year contract with us.
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"Of course, that is like all the players in other clubs, you arrive at this point, always about to talk, to take some decisions for the future. Of course, it is going to be between the club and the player. But in the moment nothing to announce, nothing to say. The club is happy with him. He is happy here I think at the moment."
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Conor Gallagher is a target for Tottenham (Clive Rose/Getty Images)Speaking on England duty in November, Gallagher addressed his contract situation, saying: "I'm sure that will get sorted out, everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them."
The 23-year-old has worn the armband for Chelsea during captain Reece James' absence, and Gallagher has said of the honour of leading out the Blues: "The armband gives me a bit more confidence and it shows how the manager thinks of me, and that means a lot to me. The confidence gets bigger from having that responsibility. So hopefully there's more times I will be able to wear it."