Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insists that Conor Gallagher is an ‘important’ part of his plans as Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur weigh up a bid for the England international.
Since rejecting a £40 million bid from West Ham United earlier in the summer, Conor Gallagher has defied the doubters to establish himself as one of the first names on Pochettino’s team sheet.
Whether he will stay there, of course, is another matter. The signings of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia mean competition is hardly in short supply. But having played all but 15 minutes of Chelsea’s first four games under the former Tottenham Hotspur boss – captaining the side against AFC Wimbledon in midweek – Pochettino is unlikely to greet a potential bid from his old employers with much enthusiasm.
Tottenham eye Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher
“All players in the squad are in our plans. Conor is a consistent player than can play in different positions,” Pochettino tells Football London.
“We can only say our feeling from day one (is that) he has shown great commitment to the club. He was captain two days ago. He is an important player. But, the future, I don’t know.
“If you are the best you are going to play, even if we spend big money on a player. That is football. All players in the squad know they are going to play if the deserve to play.
“We are so happy with him. We hope he stays.”
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham could test Chelsea’s resolve, though the West London giants will demand at least £45 million for the former West Brom and Crystal Palace loanee.
Spurs are also hoping to sign Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson on deadline day. A £20 million bid has been rejected by Bournemouth for Lloyd Kelly.
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