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Mauricio Pochettino: 'Conor Gallagher is in Chelsea's plans'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 26 July 2023

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino insists that Conor Gallagher 'is in the club's plans' amid the speculation surrounding his future.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has said that Conor Gallagher 'is in the club's plans' amid the speculation surrounding the midfielder's future at Stamford Bridge.

The England international is believed to have been the subject of a £40m bid from West Ham United, with the Hammers failing with their offer for the midfielder, who is said to be valued by the Blues at £50m.

Gallagher is currently in the United States on Chelsea's pre-season tour, featuring in the 5-0 win over Wrexham and 4-3 success over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 23-year-old was a regular for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, making 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring three times and registering one assist in the process.

Chelsea have lost a number of midfielders this summer, with Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante all moving on.

Pochettino has confirmed that his club are currently looking to "reinforce that area", but the Argentine also wants to keep hold of Gallagher.

"At the moment, we are working to reinforce that area, and other areas also," Pochettino told reporters during his press conference on Tuesday.

"I think the players that are here on the tour are in our plans, Chelsea's plans. We are working very hard to try to add more players in different areas and hope that is possible soon.

"Conor is in our plans, I was talking with him the first day I arrived. In football, things can happen we cannot manage. At the moment, I am happy with him and his performance, he has two years on his contract. We have nothing to say.

"The most important thing in all these situations is that players decide to be here at Chelsea. You need to feel you desire to be here and be committed to Chelsea.

"If you are not committed to the project, we will find a solution for both sides. I think all the players we have here are committed to help the team and club to be, historically, in the same position Chelsea were.

"If things happen, no worries, the club will inform. At the moment, nothing to say. All the players are here and I'm happy with the attitude and commitment."

Gallagher made 35 Premier League appearances for Chelsea during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing three goals and one assist in the process.

The midfielder has another two years left to run on his contract with the Blues, placing the club in a strong position when it comes to any potential summer negotiations.