Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated calls for Conor Gallagher to pen a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
Since Pochettino's arrival last summer, Gallagher's seniority has substantially increased, with the midfielder captaining the team for the majority of the campaign courtesy of injuries to Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
The academy graduate has missed just the one Premier League fixture all season due to suspension, contributing four goals and seven assists from 33 starts.
Gallagher supplied the free kick that led to Trevoh Chalobah heading Chelsea in front against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday night, the Blues going on to record a 2-0 victory.
Furthermore, a new banner was unveiled in the stands that expressed support for Gallagher, who is a Chelsea fan and has now racked up 91 appearances for his boyhood club.
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Transfer speculation remains...
Despite Gallagher's performances and commitment leading to universal backing from the Chelsea supporters these days, the same is yet to occur behind the scenes.
There are now less than 14 months remaining on his contract and reports persist that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital plan to cash in on the homegrown player during the summer.
The position of Gallagher and Pochettino has always been clear - both wish to continue to work together at Chelsea - yet there remains no clarity over whether the 24-year-old will remain with the West Londoners past the end of the season.
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What has Pochettino said?
While echoing his comments from previous press conferences, Pochettino stressed on Thursday night the situation 'needed to be fixed'.
Speaking to reporters, the Argentine said: "I am not involved. I do not know nothing. You can see. My starting XI, the whole season he has always been there, in all of the circumstances he is always there.
"I am not involved in the decision. It is a situation they need to fix between the club and the player."
Chelsea have alternative options to generate the desired funds. Lewis Hall is joining Newcastle United for £28m, Thiago Silva is departing on a free transfer and the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ian Maatsen, Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku could all leave on permanent deals.
Nevertheless, it appears likely that more outgoings will be required to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, leading to Boehly and Clearlake wanting to take the route of selling a homegrown talent such as Gallagher.
Darren Plant
