Chelsea transfer U-turn?! Why Conor Gallagher is likely to stay at Stamford Bridge despite Tottenham interest

The Blues have reportedly been open to offloading the midfielder in order to raise funds to buy a striker. However, he has become a key player under managerMauricio Pochettino, although the Argentine has admitted he "can't guarantee" the England international will stay at the club this month. Now, The Mirror claims the 23-year-old may not go anywhere despite reports linking him with Tottenham.

The report adds Chelsea value Gallagher, who has worn the captain's armband in Reece James' absence, at £60 million ($76m) and leaving the west London team is 'not on his agenda' but there has been no noteworthy progress over a contract extension; with his current deal expiring in 18 months. If he does leave, his exit will do a world of good for the Blues - due to the fact he is a homegrown player and that represents pure profit on the balance sheet - as they try to stay within Financial Fair Play rules.

Gallagher expressed his eagerness to stay at the club he has called his home for 15 years back in November while on England duty. He said: "I'm sure that [a contract] will get sorted out, everyone knows Chelsea is my club and I love playing for them."

Speculation will continue to build over Gallagher's future while the January transfer window is open. On the pitch, Chelsea travel to Middlesbrough on Tuesday in the first leg of their semi final Carabao Cup tie, before hosting Fulham four days later in the Premier League.