Key Chelsea figures are reportedly at odds over whether Conor Gallagher should be sold during the January transfer window.
Only three players - the other being Thiago Silva and Enzo Fernandez - have made as many starts in the Premier League as Gallagher during 2023-24.
Furthermore, in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, the academy graduate has held the captain's armband having been made third-choice skipper by head coach Mauricio Pochettino in the summer.
Nevertheless, regardless of his enhanced status at his boyhood club, the 23-year-old's future has been a constant topic for debate, not helped by the influx of central midfielders during 2023.
Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romeo Lavia have all signed long-term contracts in big-money deals, while Carney Chukwuemeka will be added to that mix when fit.
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Although there have been times when Gallagher's energetic pressing style has hugely benefitted Chelsea and offers something different, his contractual situation and Chelsea's FFP issues dictate that he has become a candidate to be sold.
According to the Daily Mail, more people behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge feel that they should entertain offers for the England international.
Gallagher has just over 18 months remaining on his existing terms and Chelsea need to act as soon as possible if they wish to retain his value in the transfer market.
A price tag in the region of £40m has been suggested in the past, yet any interested suitors are aware that Chelsea's position will become weaker if they reach next summer with Gallagher still at the club and without having penned fresh terms.
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Despite Chelsea having spent in excess of £1bn across three transfer windows, Pochettino is believed to want to add a new centre-back, central midfielder and forward to his squad.
With Chelsea's net spend allegedly over £700m, they naturally have to sell a number of players, and cashing in on an academy graduate such as Gallagher would generate pure profit in the eyes of FFP.
At a time when any progress in contract talks is said to be minimal, the report adds that Tottenham Hotspur will consider reigniting their previous interest in Gallagher if it becomes apparent that he is available in January.
Pochettino has previously stated that he wants Gallagher in his squad, but it is unclear whether his stance will change if it frees up money to add more height and physicality to his squad.
Darren Plant
