Spurs ‘in talks with Chelsea’ over controversial transfer for Conor Gallagher for £40m – leaving Blues fans in shock
CHELSEA supporters have reacted with shock after a report emerged they are in talks with Tottenham to sell them Conor Gallagher.
The midfielder, 23, has risen through the Blues’ academy and is now a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino.
He has made 22 appearances this term and even skippered the West London outfit in Reece James’ absence.
However, despite Poch’s faith in him, speculation has been mounting that Gallagher could depart Chelsea as early as January.
The England international only has 18 months remaining on his current contract and he is still yet to be formally offered a new extension.
Tottenham were keen on him over the summer and now transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that they have reignited their interest.
He stated that they are now trying to reach an agreement with Chelsea to sign him for £40m – but Blues fans were stunned by the report.
“This club has no shame selling one of our best players this season,” responded one.
A fellow fan said: “My club is so shameless.”
A third blasted Todd Boehly and his fellow Clearlake chiefs, saying: “What clowns these owners are.”
As a fourth added: “Selling one of the best midfielders we have who will be fit all season to Spurs is crazy. I now understand why they appointed Poch because he is a yes man.”
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Gallagher is believed to be reluctant to commit his future to the Blues for eight years, which is the length that Chelsea want on the contract.
The ex-Crystal Palace loanee’s situation is complicated by his inflated accounting value, making him an attractive saleable asset to club chiefs.
Due to him being an academy produced player, his sale would be banked as profit and give Chelsea more money to spend on new recruits.
They have already sold off a host of home-grown aces over recent years, with nearly £200m raised, which has enabled them to not breach the financial rules.
Also, Chelsea do not want to get involved in long, drawn-out contract discussions.
That exact scenario unfolded with Mason Mount before he eventually departed for Manchester United following a lengthy stand-off for £60m.
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