Chelsea will ‘BLOCK any attempts from Tottenham to sign interim captain Conor Gallagher’… despite mulling the player’s sale during the January window to fund striker purchase

According to reports, Chelsea are prepared to block any approach from Tottenham for Conor Gallagher in the upcoming transfer window, despite considering a move for their interim captain.

The 23-year-old academy graduate was among a legion of players the west London club were preparing to offload this summer in a bid to trim their bloated squad.

But the Blues failed to secure a move for the midfielder away from Stamford Bridge despite interest from a host of Premier League suitors.

The decision to stay at the club proved miraculous for both player and club after Gallagher was doomed to step into the shoes of injured captain Reece James.

Since the start of Chelsea's season, Gallagher has been heavily relied upon by manager Mauricio Pochettino and is increasingly seen as a pivotal figure at the club.

The midfielder fought for his place in Mauricio Pochettino's team and has become a pivotal figure

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou attempted to sign the midfielder in early September

However, in a bid to secure funds for the upcoming January transfer window, when the high-spending club could spend even more money in search of a proven number 9, Gallagher could still be considered for sale – but that's happening not. Chelsea's crosstown rivals.

From Football insiderPochettino's side will be as reluctant to send their interim captain to north London as they were in the summer.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou is believed to be an admirer of the player and Spurs submitted a £40 million bid for the player days before the summer window closed.

But Chelsea would be unwilling to strengthen their rivals' squad even for the right price for Gallagher, who they rate more highly and have no intention of entertaining any offers.

Gallagher is currently contracted to his club until the summer of 2025, but negotiations have been complex and the two sides have failed to agree terms in recent weeks.

Pochettino would like the player to stay and the club to extend his contract, underscoring his value after Chelsea's win against Sheffield United last weekend.

But the Argentina head coach admitted the decision would be up to 'the player and the club'.

“He starts almost every game and is one of the captains,” Pochettino said. 'For me he is the type of player the club needs.

'He is important because of his values ​​at Chelsea. He came from the academy, he loves the club and he is very committed. You can see that on the field: he runs, he plays, he fights.

'He does everything he can to win. He is a very important player who the coaching staff would like to have in the team.'

Gallagher has made 16 Premier League appearances to his name since the start of the season – missing one draw after being shown a red card against Brighton as part of Chelsea's generally poor disciplinary record – and has registered four assists.

But given his homegrown status, the sale of Gallagher would represent a win for the club, who are keen to ensure they comply with Financial Fair Play rules before the market moves in after a bumper summer of high-profile signings, including Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

The Blues have raised almost £200m by selling academy graduates such as Gallagher, including Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Tino Livramento and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Gallagher has made a string of starting appearances in the Premier League but was shown a red card against Brighton

Pochettino has high praise for the player and is keen for him to stay at Stamford Bridge

Ivan Toney is one of the attackers on Chelsea's wishlist ahead of the January transfer window

Chelsea appear to remain committed to signing a striker in the coming window, with both Nicolas Jackson and Armado Broja yet to return the goal needed to boost their chances in the league.

Among the targets are Napoli's Scudetto-winning striker Victor Osimhen and Brentford's Ivan Toney, who is heavy favorite at London rivals Arsenal.

Toney, who returns to competitive action in January after an eight-month ban by the FA for gambling offences, is set to move to the Emirates and was last week described as 'very excited' at the prospect of joining the side Add Mikel Arteta.

However, the blockbuster race for Toney's signature could still be fought at the end of the season as the player can repay his gratitude to the club and coach who have patiently waited for his return to football in the second half of the season.