Mauricio Pochettino has taken a clear stance when it comes to Conor Gallagher as the Chelsea midfielder continues to be linked with West Ham.
With the Hammers looking to replace Declan Rice as soon as possible, they have identified Gallagher as a target this summer.
David Moyes’ side have already seen a £40m bid rejected as Chelsea are said to be holding out for a higher fee.
Given Chelsea have already lost the likes of Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante, you would think they’d be reluctant to lose Gallagher in the same window.
The 23-year-old featured in 45 matches across all competitions last season, with 35 of those games coming in the Premier League.
Pochettino has claimed that Gallagher is in his plans for the upcoming season and that new additions are expected in midfield.
“At the moment, we are working to reinforce that area, and other areas also,” the Chelsea boss told reporters.
“I think the players that are here on the tour are in our plans, Chelsea’s plans. We are working very hard to try to add more players in different areas and hope that is possible soon.
“Conor is in our plans, I was talking with him the first day I arrived. In football, things can happen we cannot manage. At the moment, I am happy with him and his performance, he has two years on his contract. We have nothing to say.”
Chelsea are continuing to battle for Moises Caicedo, but they are yet to come to an agreement with Brighton over the transfer fee.
Pochettino was asked if he wanted to keep homegrown players at the club and he reaffirmed his stance on Gallagher.
“The most important thing in all these situations is that players decide to be here at Chelsea. You need to feel you desire to be here and be committed to Chelsea,” Pochettino added.
“If you are not committed to the project, we will find a solution for both sides. I think all the players we have here are committed to help the team and club to be, historically, in the same position Chelsea were.
“If things happen, no worries, the club will inform. At the moment, nothing to say. All the players are here and I’m happy with the attitude and commitment.”
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