Conor Gallagher 'holds talks with Mauricio Pochettino over Chelsea future'

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he has held talks with Conor Gallagher amid uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future at the club.

The 23-year-old has been a regular feature in Pochettino's side this season, having started 19 of the club's 20 Premier League matches.

Gallagher's status in the Chelsea squad has been reflected in the fact that he has donned the captain's armband on a number of occasions this term.

Despite being regarded as an important player by Pochettino, Gallagher's Chelsea future continues to draw significant speculation with just 18 months left to run on his current contract.

A recent report claimed that Gallagher is likely to stay at Stamford Bridge this month, but the club's hierarchy could be persuaded to sell if they receive a suitable offer.

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Talking ahead of Tuesday's EFL Cup semi-final clash with Middlesbrough, Pochettino confirmed that he has spoken to Gallagher about his future.

Pochettino told reporters: "If you want to ask me if I was talking with Conor about this situation, yes. Like all the players when some rumour happens, it's always good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.

‌"I think it's always important for us, the coaches, to have very clear and very direct, honest conversations with the players. It's healthy to have these types of relationships."

As a product of the club's academy, Gallagher would generate pure profit if he was sold, which could help Chelsea comply with profit and sustainability rules.

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However, the Chelsea head coach has dismissed talk that the club will have to offload players before they can add to their squad this month.

‌"No, it is not like this," Pochettino added. "It is not what they [club hierarchy] translate to me. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players."

After dropping to the bench for Sunday's FA Cup win over Preston North End, Gallagher is set to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday's EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.

While Pochettino will be able to call upon Gallagher's services, he will be without French forward Christopher Nkunku, who is set to miss a second consecutive game due to a hip problem.