Sources: Chelsea must sell big-name star by Thursday, huge news for Tottenham amid 'shock bid'
Chelsea will be forced to sell a big-name star this month to fund any January business, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the Blues are keen on bringing in new players this month, but would have to sanction a departure for a high-value asset to afford any major deal.
As revealed by Football Insider (26 January), Tottenham are readying a shock last-gasp bid to prise Conor Gallagher to north London.
The London rivals have been in talks this month regarding a deal for Gallagher but Mauricio Pochettino's side want £80million in total for the midfielder, who is out of contract in 18 months.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that selling Gallagher for such a sensational fee would open the door for them to bring in multiple new players before the February 1 cut-off.
Pochettino called for the club to be active in the winter window last month to "improve" the squad, despite spending a reported £435million since the Argentine took charge.
Chelsea are yet to make a senior signing this month amid concerns for their Financial Fair Play obligations, meaning funds would need to be generated quickly to facilitate January deals.
Football Insider also revealed (25 January) that the club's annual wage bill has reached a record-high £404million per season which is likely to shrink their budget for their January and summer transfer windows.
Chelsea sit ninth in the Premier League table and were most recently forced into an FA Cup fourth-round replay after their 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Friday (26 January).
They are next in action against Liverpool in the league on Wednesday night (31 January).
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