Chelsea fans send clear message to owners with Conor Gallagher banner on Tottenham transfer links
Chelsea fans made their feelings clear about a possible sale of Conor Gallagher this summer with a huge anti-Tottenham banner.
Gallagher could be sold for Chelsea this summer when he has one year left on his contract and no signs of negotiations.
Tottenham are best prepared to snap up the England international, who came through the Blues academy and has a £50m price tag.
But at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, the home fans made sure the board knew exactly how they felt about a potential sale, with Spurs in town.
Gallagher's supporters carried a huge banner reading: “Chelsea since birth.”
The Blues' number 23 played a key role in Chelsea's first goal, scored by Trevoh Chalobah, when he curled in a free-kick from the right before the defender brilliantly directed the header past Guglielmo Vicario.
Gallagher, who was born in Epsom, close to the club's Cobham training ground, has become a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge for his brave displays in midfield and consistent work rate.
Mauricio Pochettino He was named stand-in captain with Reece James and Ben Chilwell injured and was instrumental in their final display.
After coming back from 2-0 down against Aston Villa, Chelsea achieved a 2-2 draw with a goal from Gallagher, as well as an assist.
In total, the 24-year-old has six goals and eight assists in all competitions in 45 appearances.
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Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are present at Stamford Bridge and would no doubt have seen the banner.
However, the club's financial problems could force them to the negotiating table anyway after spending more than £1 billion on players since Clearlake Capital took over.
This has meant some players may have to leave to balance the books with academy stars linked with exits as “pure profit” sales.
That simply means that because they didn't cost a transfer fee, whatever price they sell for, the entire fee goes to the bank.
It is one of the reasons Lewis Hall and Ian Maatsen were allowed to leave, although both were loaned to Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund respectively.
Hall will sign for Newcastle in the summer for a fee of £35m, while Dortmund have already indicated they are very happy with Maatsen, who can sign for the same fee.
