Chelsea to accelerate Conor Gallagher contract talks

Chelsea are keen to step up their talks with midfielder Conor Gallagher over a new contract ahead of the January transfer window, understands.

Gallagher is in the final two years of his current deal and, despite admitting his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge, was made available for transfer during the summer as Chelsea officials sought to raise money after another summer of hectic spending.

Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United all remain interested in Gallagher, who has started all ten of Chelsea's Premier League games so far this season and has even worn the captain's armband in the absence of usual skipper Reece James.

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is a self-confessed huge fan of Gallagher and, behind the scenes, has approved Chelsea's plans to try and tie the academy graduate down to a new contract in the coming weeks.

Chelsea hope to have thrashed out fresh terms with the 23-year-old before the January transfer window, when suitors are expected to reignite their interest in the midfielder.

Gallagher is aware of the interest in his services but is enjoying life under Pochettino, whose decision to make him the temporary captain has only strengthened the bond between the duo.

In late October, Gallagher confessed he was unsure of his future during the summer but credited Pochettino for sticking by him.

«Before I met Pochettino, I wasn’t sure [on my future] because there was so much happening, so many players leaving and coming in,» the midfielder said. «I was buzzing to play under him and stay at Chelsea and prove myself to the club and fans more this season.»

Pochettino himself heaped praise on Gallagher in response to his comments.

«First of all, you have to see how they feel, in this case the player and