‘Really Important’: Chelsea boss confirms desperate attempt to block sale of star linked to West Ham

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says Conor Gallagher is a very ‘important’ player for his team despite reports that he could be sold before the transfer window shuts.

Gallagher has started every game under Pochettino and was again one of the stars of the show as they secured their first of the season on Friday night.

Gallagher is rated at around £50million and Chelsea are looking to sell some players to balance the books with Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah all still on the market with just a week for the window to shut.

Highest earner Romelu Lukaku is in talks with AS Roma to leave while Callum Hudson-Odoi is in talks with Nottingham Forest.

The topic of selling Gallagher stirs up emotions within the club’s training ground and Pochettino admits he’s a very important key in his team. He told the press: “He’s doing well. He’s a really important player, with his commitment, and the way he is involved every day and in training. We are so happy with him.”

Chelsea have confirmed Deivid Washington and are expected to announce goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to add to the nine signings they have already made as they aim to give Pochettino the best chance of rebuilding the team.

Chelsea have also sold as many as 12 first-team players and loaned out many with more expected to leave before the transfer window shuts next Friday.

The Blues have now secured their first league win of the season and will hope they can now build on that going forward.