Chelsea supporters have reportedly been handed a boost in their hopes of retaining the services of Conor Gallagher.
Having been given added seniority by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the 24-year-old has been an influential figure in the Chelsea midfield this season.
A total of five goals and seven assists have come from 36 appearances in the Premier League, many of which from an advanced-midfield role ahead of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
However, an injury to the latter has led to Gallagher dropping deeper to play alongside Caicedo and Chelsea producing their best form of the season, recording four successive victories against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion.
As a result, Chelsea can secure sixth place in the Premier League standings if they earn a point against Bournemouth at the weekend, a position that would theoretically lead to Europa League football if Chelsea can ensure their finances are in order.
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Gallagher would turn down move to Premier League rival
The fact that it remains uncertain has left Gallagher's future at Stamford Bridge up in the air with co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital open to cashing in on the England international.
Just over a year remains on the academy graduate's contract and club officials naturally want to avoid losing a key man on a free transfer, as well as seemingly being in no rush to agree to a contract extension.
Although Gallagher has been left in somewhat of a difficult position, he will not be short of admirers should it emerge that a sale is a genuine possibility.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Gallagher is not prepared to entertain making the switch to Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.
Gallagher is allegedly not keen on uprooting from London, ruling out a switch to Tyneside and potentially any other Northern-based clubs should they express an interest.
Furthermore, it is claimed that Newcastle chiefs are not confident that they would be able to convince Gallagher to perform a U-turn on his stance.
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Who realistically remains in the mix?
The report adds that Gallagher naturally wants to extend his stay with his boyhood club and head coach Mauricio Pochettino has stated on several occasions that he wants the player and club to find a resolution.
There is also the possibility of Gallagher refusing to leave and force Chelsea's hand over a contract, yet other clubs are going to remain in contention for his signature.
Tottenham Hotspur are the obvious option, despite the rivalry between the two teams, but transfers to either Arsenal or West Ham United appear unlikely for differing reasons.
Champions League qualifiers Aston Villa cannot be ruled out, particularly if they were to sell Douglas Luiz, who has just over two years left on his contract, to another club, presumably one competing in European football's premier competition.
Darren Plant
