Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino 'privately pushing for new Conor Gallagher contract'

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly 'privately pushing' for a new contract to be handed to Conor Gallagher.

Although the midfielder endured somewhat of a mixed first campaign representing his boyhood club, he has become an integral part of the side under Pochettino.

As well as being handed the captain's armband on numerous occasions, Gallagher has already made 29 starts and three substitute outings in all competitions during 2023-24.

Gallagher's three goals for the campaign have come in the last two fixtures whilst playing a pivotal part in 3-1 victories over each of Aston Villa and Crystal Palace on away territory.

However, the situation remains that the 24-year-old has less than 18 months remaining on his contract and co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are open to a sale.

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With in excess of £1bn having been spent across three transfer windows, Chelsea were quiet in January and must recoup millions to balance the books ahead of June 30, the deadline for the next accounts.

Cashing in on Gallagher - an academy graduate - would generate pure profit and substantially improve Chelsea's FFP position, yet Gallagher would prefer to stay, as acknowledged by Pochettino earlier this week.

According to the Daily Mail, Pochettino is imploring the club's owners to successfully negotiate fresh terms with one of his key men.

The report suggests that the Argentine has reiterated the benefits that would come with keeping Gallagher at the club in the long term, rather than cashing in for a fee in the region of £40m.

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While a potential wage packet - if terms were agreed - is not suggested, Gallagher would want an improvement on his relatively modest income compared to some other players of similar standing.

Nevertheless, it is claimed that being valued by Pochettino and the powers-that-be could prove most pivotal in Gallagher committing his future to the West Londoners.

As it stands, there are no indications that any positive discussions have taken place, Boehly and Clearlake Capital perhaps aware that they can hold fire with a player who they knows wants to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Gallagher are currently preparing for the double-header of facing Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, as well as the EFL Cup final with Liverpool eight days later.