Mauricio Pochettino issues honest £50m transfer verdict as Chelsea learn Mason Mount lesson

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he plans to keep Conor Gallagher despite the midfielder currently facing an uncertain future at Chelsea. The 23-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer as the Blues look to trim down a bloated squad.

football.london understands that Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for Gallagher, who is said to be open to leaving. With two-years remaining on his contract in west London, the England international has been subject to plenty of interest from numerous clubs in the Premier League.

It's believed that Tottenham are among those who are keen to secure his signature international, with Ange Postecoglou understood to be a big admirer. Newcastle United and West Ham have also expressed an interest in Gallagher, who's valued at close to £50million.

Despite a cloud over doubt hanging over his future, Pochettino has insisted that Gallagher is in his plans. Ahead of Chelsea's pre-season clash against Newcastle United, the 51-year-old said: «Both parts have to say and have to agree. At the moment, nothing to say.

»Conor is in our plans, I was talking with him the first day I arrive. 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. Nothing to say."

Chelsea have already offloaded N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount this summer without a replacement for either coming – not to mention that the latter of the three is a homegrown talent from the academy. When asked if he's looking to build an English core in his side, Pochettino replied: «The most important thing in all these situations is players decide to be here at Chelsea.

»Then if you came from outside