Mauricio Pochettino drops Conor Gallagher transfer hint and confirms double Chelsea return

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino spoke before his side’s upcoming blockbuster Premier League clash with Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino hinted that Chelsea would not be selling Conor Gallagher to Tottenham this month, despite rumours persisting that Spurs are eyeing up a deal for the England midfielder.

Gallagher has played a key role in Pochettino’s squad this season but has just 18 months left on his Stamford Bridge contract.

Chelsea are said to be willing to part ways with Gallagher after failing to agree upon terms on a new deal, though value the 23-year-old upwards of £45million, which may prove to be a sticking point in a window that has seen English clubs’ spending restricted due to financial constraints.

Spurs were linked with Gallagher in the summer and Ange Postecoglou’s outfit continue to be mentioned with a possible move, but Gallagher himself is reportedly reluctant to leave Chelsea this month as he eyes regular football ahead of a potential call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

However, with time running out to pen a new deal with the team he came through the academy at, Gallagher and Chelsea both must decide on whether he should leave the club while they can still retain some value from a sale.

But Pochettino played down the prospect of selling academy players, including Gallagher, before the January window closes. When asked about the prospect of those Cobham stars leaving to help their financial predicament, he replied: “At the moment, no news.

“All is quiet, calm and relaxed. I was talking with the players, the whole squad, meetings today. At the moment, we are all relaxed about the whole situation of the squad.”

Ahead of a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in their first league game since Jurgen Klopp announced he would leave the Reds at the end of the season, Chelsea will welcome Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto back to the squad.

“I think it’s good news that Malo Gusto and Christoph can be in the squad tomorrow,” Pochettino added.

“We will see. Always we are waiting for the last moment. At the moment, it’s good news. Maybe why not Nico Jackson can be involved tomorrow if he arrives.”