Chelsea ‘rebuff all approaches’ for Newcastle, Everton target; Ornstein reveals Potter’s plan for £45m man | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly ‘rebuffed all approaches’ that have come in for Conor Gallagher this month amid interest from Newcastle United and Everton.

Gallagher returned to Chelsea last summer after he grabbed eight goals and five assists in 39 appearances while on loan at Crystal Palace in 2021/22.

The midfielder came back to Chelsea last year in the hope that he would feature regularly for his boyhood club. But he has only been used sparingly with him starting nine times in the Premier League.

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market this month. 18-year-old Andrey Santos joined the club earlier this month and they are also looking to sign Enzo Fernandez before the deadline to further bolster their options in midfield.

The addition of Fernandez could leave Gallagher down the pecking order, though the Englishman may benefit from Jorginho’s departure. The Italy international is set to join rivals Arsenal on a permanent basis.

Several of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals have looked to acquire Gallagher this month. It was revealed earlier this week that Everton had submitted a £45m to the Blues for the centre-midfielder.

David Ornstein of The Athletic is now reporting that Gallagher is now ‘set to stay at Chelsea’.

There has been ‘significant interest’ in the midfielder with Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Everton, Newcastle United and West Ham United all keen to bring him in but they have ‘rebuffed all approaches’.

Ornstein adds: ‘There is little interest at the west London club in sending him on another loan and offers to take the England international permanently have fallen well short of where they value him.

‘Chelsea have high hopes for Gallagher and he fits the age profile of the squad that their owners, the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, and head coach Graham Potter are trying to build.

‘Barring an unexpected late twist, Gallagher will not be leaving Stamford Bridge.’

As for Fernandez, Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol is reporting that Chelsea are “working heard” to complete the signing.

“It could still happen. Chelsea are working hard to complete this deal.

“It’s a little bit complicated. Chelsea have said they are prepared to pay the release clause of £105m, Benfica want it paid in one lump sum.

“Chelsea say there are implications in Financial Fair Play and tax in Portugal so want to pay it in instalments. They want to pay one lump sum than five small instalments.

“Benfica are trying to get as good a deal as they can for the club. But it’s not the decision of one person. There’s the president in Rui Costa but there could be other people on the board who have different opinions to him.

“He’s been Chelsea’s No 1 midfield target, they haven’t really signed a world-class midfielder yet this season.”