CONFIRMED: Gallagher to Spurs unlikely as Chelsea forced to sell in January

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 2 Jan 2024 11:22 GMT
• 3 min read

Confirmed

Tottenham are unlikely to purchase Conor Gallagher during the January transfer window despite reports, FootballTransfers understands.

The midfielder is still very much admired at Chelsea, who would only strike a deal with their London rivals if an offer was made above the £60million threshold. Spurs are simply not able to spend this amount of money during the winter window owing to Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints, meaning their pursuit of Gallagher is very likely to stall until the summer at least.

The England international has been arguably Chelsea’s most important player this season, playing consistently well in the middle of the park. The Blues are reluctant to see him leave, while Spurs do not have the means to bring him to North London at this point.

How much can Chelsea spend in January?

Meanwhile, we are told that Trevah Chalobah is still injured and this means a move away is not likely for him either. The 24-year-old has missed 24 games this season after picking up a thigh injury in August. There is interest from Roma, managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho, but sources indicate that the defender will probably remain at Stamford Bridge until the summer, with his contract up in 2028.

One who is likely to depart Chelsea is Ian Maatsen, who has been extensively monitored by Borussia Dortmund. Any sale of the Dutchman would enrich the club’s transfer kitty - currently, the side have to sell to buy if they were to make any purchases in the January window.

Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful of bolstering the squad ahead of the second half of the season but FFP means that the side will have to get players off their books initially. Players they have scouted, such as Assane Diao, could end up at Brentford despite having a lowly release clause of £26m.