Chelsea are reportedly set to offer midfielder Conor Gallagher a new contract with a considerable pay rise, amid speculation regarding his future.
The 22-year-old has struggled to play consistent minutes this season, generally starting on the bench and his appearances have generally been limited to brief cameos.
Gallagher was allegedly subject to a sizeable bid from relegation contenders Everton on deadline day, but decided to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place.
As a result, the London club are set to reward the midfielder handsomely for turning down a late move to the Toffees.
There’s no guarantee that game time will come any easier for the Englishman though, given Blues owner Todd Boehly spent over £300m on new signings last month.
The most expensive winter purchase was Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who cost Chelsea a record-breaking £107m, so Gallagher may fall even further down the pecking order.
However, both Fernandez and Gallagher started their most recent game against Fulham on Friday, so they could potentially form an effective partnership.
Gallagher broke onto the scene last season while on loan at Crystal Palace, scoring eight goals in 39 appearances and winning the club’s Player of the Year Award.
At Chelsea, the midfielder is believed to be on a current wage of £50,000, with his deal set to expire in 2025.
Chelsea to reward Gallagher after Everton snub
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Everton submitted a late £45m offer for Gallagher, but he rejected their advances.
It is believed that Sean Dyche saw the Englishman as the perfect player to reignite their fight for Premier League survival.
After he turned the switch down, Gallagher reportedly became one of 14 transfer targets the Toffees failed to secure on deadline day, much to the annoyance of their supporters.
However, their unbelievable 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday may have calmed their nerves somewhat, as well as giving Dyche the perfect start.
According to the Sun, Gallagher is expected to be rewarded for his loyalty by Chelsea with a pay rise.
As mentioned, he enjoyed a very successful loan spell with Crystal Palace last season. Gallagher also went to the Qatar World Cup with England, but failed to make an appearance.
This season, Gallagher has featured 19 times in the Premier League for Chelsea, but he only played the full 90 minutes in three of these outings.
However, the three in which he made the starting XI were the Blues last three league games, suggesting Graham Potter is beginning to see him as a key player.
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing Gallagher at the end of the season, while mega-rich Newcastle have also been touted to make a move.
The England international now faces a choice over whether to stay and fight for more minutes at Stamford Bridge on an increased wage, or to play more regularly elsewhere.