• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC Football understands that Chelsea do not expect to sell Conor Gallagher on Thursday – despite interest remaining from Tottenham Hotspur.

The England international started Chelsea’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night at Anfield, before being subbed off at half-time, whilst Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs beat Brentford 3-2.

HITC Football revealed last week that Tottenham are still interested in Conor Gallagher, whose long-term future at Chelsea remains in doubt.

The 23-year-old has been a key player for Mauricio Pochettino this season, including donning the captain’s armband on many occasions in the absence of the injured Reece James.

However, whilst Chelsea would entertain the sale of their homegrown star – they want at least £50million.

And HITC Football understands that those at Hotspur Way won’t even go to £40 million for the all-action midfielder

Conor Gallagher’s career

The Chelsea academy product spent several spells on loan at the likes of Crystal Palace, West Brom and Swansea City before getting a run at Stamford Bridge.

His standout campaign came in the colours of Crystal Palace when he scored eight goals from the middle of the park and supplied three assists.

That road led him to regular Chelsea minutes, with his previous manager Thomas Tuchel labelling him ‘extraordinary’, and an England call, where he will now be pushing to make the cut for Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of Euro 2024.

The midfield area is as competitive as any area of the pitch, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham expected to be certain starters.

That one place is up for grabs and Gallagher will want to take it.