Sources: West Ham pull plug on Conor Gallagher deal
West Ham are not expected to return for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher after failing to land him in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (18 December) that Gallagher is expected to stay at Stamford Bridge past the January transfer window despite ongoing uncertainty over his contract situation.
The England international, who was the subject of interest from West Ham and Tottenham in the summer, is out of contract in June 2025.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed an extension is the “club’s decision” but suggested he is keen to keep Gallagher at the club.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Gallagher would now likely fetch a fee outside of West Ham’s price range after a strong start to the 2023-24 campaign.
It is believed that personal terms would also present a problem for the Irons if they were to launch a bid for the ex-Crystal Palace loanee.
David Moyes’ West Ham spent heavily on midfield reinforcements in the summer following Declan Rice’s departure – bringing both James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez to the London Stadium.
They have long had a strong interest in Gallagher and have held talks over a potential deal with the player.
Chelsea had been open to letting Gallagher leave in the off-season but he chose to remain at the club and is now regularly wearing the captain’s armband for Pochettino’s side.
The 23-year-old academy product has made 19 appearances across all competitions so far in the 2023-24 campaign, notching four assists.
Eighth-place West Ham are two places and five points above Chelsea as the action-packed festive schedule gets underway.
In other news, Moyes now willing to sell West Ham star.