Mauricio Pochettino sends firm message to Chelsea owners over Conor Gallagher future

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has warned those in charge at Stamford Bridge that he wants to keep midfielder Conor Gallagher, but acknowledged the decision is out of his hands.

Gallagher's status as an academy graduate, and the pure Financial Fair Play profit that could come with selling him, saw Chelsea entertain offers for the 23-year-old during the summer and a January transfer has not yet been ruled out either.

Despite his uncertain future, Pochettino has made his feelings on Gallagher clear. The midfielder has started all 16 Premier League games for which he has been available this season and has regularly worn the captain's armband in the absence of Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell.

"He's important because he has Chelsea values, he is a product of the academy and he is the identity of the club," Pochettino said.

"Of course he loves the club and he is very committed and you can see that on the pitch. He runs, he plays, he fights, he gives everything. He's a really important player, the type of player all coaching staff want to have in their team."

90min understands Gallagher wants to stay at Chelsea beyond the January window but, as he approaches the final 18 months of his deal, Blues officials have not yet ruled out cashing in on the midfielder as they plot another expensive transfer spree.

Asked about the transfer speculation surrounding Gallagher, Pochettino added: "That was in the past. It's a decision for the club whether a player is to be or not to be [here].

"I don't need to talk too much because it's clear my decision is he's in the starting XI. He's nearly all the games in the starting XI and one of the captains. He is this type of player, that every club wants to have."

Chelsea have held talks with Gallagher about an extension but are yet to reach an agreement with the 23-year-old and there is an awareness that January represents the final chance to sell him for his full value.

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