Chelsea star Conor Gallagher would be 'willing to leave' Stamford Bridge if his game-time is restricted after the Blues' January spending spree, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The west Londoners completed the British-record £106.8million signing of Enzo Fernandez on transfer deadline day earlier this week, but head coach Graham Potter will be handed another opportunity to reshape his squad in the summer.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
Chelsea transfer news - Conor Gallagher
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are planning a summer clear-out and Gallagher is among a host of names likely to be allowed to leave.
The report suggests Newcastle United are the frontrunners for the England international's signature if he moves onto pastures new, while Crystal Palace and Everton also hold an interest.
However, a move to St James' Park was off the table during the final stages of the January transfer window as Gallagher was told he would not be allowed to join one of Chelsea’s direct rivals.
The 22-year-old also snubbed a potential switch to Everton after the Premier League strugglers launched a £45million bid.
But respected journalist Pete O’Rourke recently told GiveMeSport that Gallagher will now have concerns over his game-time after Fernandez headed to west London from Benfica.
What has Simon Phillips said about Gallagher?
Phillips believes Gallagher is aware that his number of opportunities are going to be hampered after Fernandez's arrival.
The journalist understands the central midfielder would be open to sealing his exit if he is regularly omitted from the starting line-up.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: "He knows he wants to play games and he's not going to get that at Chelsea with all these players there.
"He would be willing to leave in the summer if it carries on that he's not a regular starter for Chelsea because he doesn't want to be a bench player."
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Should Chelsea sell Gallagher in the summer?
Gallagher still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his £50,000-per-week contract, according to Spotrac, so Chelsea find themselves in a strong negotiating position.
But Potter has already shown that he is an admirer of the Blues' academy product after previously describing him as 'fantastic', so it would be a mistake to even entertain selling him.
Sofascore handed Gallagher a 7.7 match rating when Chelsea overcame Crystal Palace last month, as he won 14 ground duels, made four tackles and completed three key passes.
It was with the Eagles where he truly flourished last season as he racked up 13 goal contributions during a successful loan spell.
Although Gallagher has only found the back of the net once since returning to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea should only consider cashing in if a bid which is simply too good to turn down is lodged in the summer.
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