By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

6th Oct, 2023 | 6:08pm

Sources: Chelsea set to open Gallagher talks as Pochettino makes up his mind

Conor Gallagher and Chelsea are ready to open talks over a potential new contract after his resurgence at the club, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the 23-year-old came close to leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer window.

Gallagher always wanted to remain a Chelsea player and was desperate to stay and fight for his place under new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

He has impressed Pochettino since the start of the 2023-24 campaign and has become a regular in his new-look Blues side.

The England international has even worn the armband in the club’s last three Premier League games in the absence of appointed skipper Reece James.

Gallagher has turned out nine times across all competitions so far this season and has started all seven games in the top flight.

His current deal, which nets him a reported wage of £50,000-a-week, is set to expire in June 2025.

The midfielder’s place in the side is yet to come under threat from summer signing Romeo Lavia, who is out with a long-term ankle injury.

Gallagher came through the ranks at Chelsea and has broken into the first team after a series of loan spells elsewhere.

He made his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge last term, notching three goals and one assist in 45 games across all competitions.

The 23-year-old is also now a regular for England and was called up to the latest squad to face Australia and Italy this month.

Chelsea sit a lowly 11th in the Premier League table having won just two of a possible seven games this term.

The Blues are next in action against Burnley on Saturday (7 October).

In other news, clubs make formal complaints to Premier League about new Chelsea deal.