Mark Schwarzer has advised Chelsea not to sell Conor Gallagher before the end of the January transfer window.
Gallagher started on the bench in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night but came on as a second-half substitute as Mauricio Pochettino’s side booked their place in next month’s final with a 6-1 win at Wembley.
Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Schwarzer believes Pochettino would receive a “huge blow” if they sell Gallagher, who has attracted interest from Tottenham.
Speaking about the importance of keeping Gallagher, Schwarzer told Sky Sports after Chelsea’s win over Middlesbrough: “I think even more now because Chelsea have made a lot of changes at this club.
Mauricio Pochettino refused to sell Chelsea. Conor. Gallagher (Reuters)
“You want to keep in touch with the fans. When things are not going very well, you want to get those players who are fans, who are real Chelsea fans.
‘Mason Mount was the other one – I know it hasn’t worked out for him at Manchester United yet – but for me personally it would be great to see him back here because I think he’d be a big player at this. club but because of finances and rules.
“I don’t think they have anyone who can play like Conor Gallagher does and that would be a big blow for them. But unfortunately I think some of those decisions are out of their hands because of the decisions they’ve made. in the last 12-18 during the month.”
Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who coached Gallagher for England, also urged the club to refrain from selling the midfielder ahead of next week’s transfer window.
“He’s a Chelsea fan, loves the club, I don’t think he wants to leave, I wouldn’t like to see him leave,” Hasselbaink said.
“I agree the way he trains with England is the same [as in Chelsea], always 100 percent, you know what you will get from him.
“I expected him not to play today because Chelsea . needs a little more to attack but i think they will save him for friday as well.
I just hope he doesn’t go. I know FFP, the rules and everything that goes with it, but I really want him to stay.
“I think the fans have someone who is in the ranks. I’d hate to see him go.”
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