Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says the decision over Conor Gallagher’s future at Stamford Bridge is not up to him.

Conor Gallagher‘s contract expires in 2025 and the midfielder is being linked with a move away from west London. According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur would be interested in Gallagher if he becomes available in January. The same outlet also claims that Chelsea valued him at £45m during the summer.

Gallagher has been a key player for Mauricio Pochettino this season, but the Argentine has now told the Evening Standard and the rest of the English media that whether the 23-year-old stays at Stamford Bridge or not is not his decision.

He has missed just one Premier League game in the current campaign because of suspension and was hailed as Chelsea’s best player by Paul Merson after their 2-0 win against Sheffield United over the weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino will not decide Conor Gallagher’s fate

Pochettino says Gallagher’s future is between him and the club.

Discussing the Englishman’s contract situation, he said: “That is between the club and the player. I don’t need to talk too much because it is not my decision.

“He is in the starting eleven in nearly all the games and is one of the captains. For me, he is the type of player that the club needs to have.”

Does Mauricio Pochettino want Conor Gallagher to stay at Chelsea?

While Pochettino may not have too much of a say on whether Gallagher is handed a new contract or not, you suspect that he is trying to convince his bosses to keep hold of him.

Again, the England international has been such a key player for the 51-year-old, who has made him captain in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

This does not look to be a member of the squad who Pochettino no longer wants.