CONOR GALLAGHER is now “unlikely” to leave Chelsea this month – but Tottenham will not give up on signing the player.
SunSport has learned that Mauricio Pochettino has made clear that selling Gallagher, 23, this month would be a mistake.
Conor Gallagher is unlikely to leave Chelsea in the January transfer windowGetty
Tottenham won’t give up on Chelsea ace Gallagher and will come back in the summerRex
It means Spurs are unlikely to get their wish of a January transfer switch but they will come back in for him over the summer.
Our source said: “Tottenham want to sign Conor, but there’s a massive timing issue at play.
“Chelsea had been open-minded to letting the player go a couple of months ago and Spurs thought the deal was in place.
“But in recent weeks Conor has become of vital importance to the team and the manager thinks letting him go now could lead to major problems in the second half of the season.
“He’s not necessarily a part of Pochettino’s long-term plans but he is seen as a vital part of the project for the time being.
“Gallagher is in no rush to leave the club and wants to help them to turn the season around.
“He is also massively popular with the fans and the board will fear a massive backlash if they let him go and he takes Spurs, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals, into the Champions League while they are left stuck in the middle of the table.”
Ange Postecoglou wants to secure a midfielder in the break between Sunday’s trip to Manchester United and the FA Cup fourth-round game against Manchester City.
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He wants a running midfielder who can play at the head of midfield but also alternate with James Maddison if required.
Gallagher has been the player who best fits the profile, and Chelsea have previously indicated they are willing to do a deal for the right price.
That could be up to £50million, although there are more potential complications.
“Conor is basically the player Poch trusts most for his tactical ideas, he is perfect for the 4-3-3 system.
“So many others still need to get used to that system, and Pochettino is reluctant to let such a player go during such an inconsistent period of results so early in his time.”
Gallagher is enjoying the greater responsibility at Chelsea, having captained the side in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.