Mauricio Pochettino drops Conor Gallagher transfer hint and confirms double Chelsea return

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino hinted that his side would not be selling Conor Gallagher to Tottenham this month, despite rumours persisting that Spurs are eyeing up a deal for the England midfielder. Gallagher has been a key part of Pochettino’s squad but has just 18 months left on his Stamford Bridge contract.

But Pochettino played down the prospect of selling academy players, including Gallagher, before the January window closes. When asked about the prospect of those Cobham stars leaving to help their financial predicament, he replied: “At the moment, no news.

“All is quiet, calm and relaxed. I was talking with the players, the whole squad, meetings today. At the moment, we are all relaxed about the whole situation of the squad.”

Pochettino explained that it is also unlikely that there would be further additions this month, in what has been an unusually quiet window for all Premier League clubs. “We are quiet,” he added. “The market is quiet.”

Ahead of a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool in their first league game since Klopp announced he would leave the Reds at the end of the season, Chelsea are able to welcome Christopher Nkunku and Malo Gusto back to the squad.

“I think it’s good news that Malo Gusto and Christoph can be in the squad tomorrow,” Pochettino said. “We will see. Always we are waiting for the last moment. At the moment, it’s good news. Maybe why not Nico Jackson can be involved tomorrow if he arrives.”