Chelsea told £40M star should be at Stamford Bridge

Rio Ferdinand has opened up and encouraged CHELSEA to keep hold of Conor Gallagher this coming transfer window.

Gallagher has been a big part of the side this season under Mauricio Pochettino and has seemingly been a player that the former Tottenham coach has really relied on.

But with the January transfer window now open away, and with reports that the club will once again look to sign some more players, there has been some speculation that we are in talks with Tottenham over a possible deal for Gallagher.

Tottenham were interested in Gallagher over the summer window, but were unable to get a deal done as the midfielder was very keen to stay and fight for his place in the squad, but there has been talk that a £40M deal could be struck.

However – amid all the speculation and the rumours – Ferdinand has opened up and encouraged the board to keep hold of Gallagher and cut off talks with Tottenham over a potential deal.

Ferdinand said on BT Sport: “Yeah I can see why [it’s being mooted] but again I think there’s so many players down the years that ability-wise they might be middle of the road in the squad but what they offer you in terms of character and influence around the dressing room, and standards that they set, is invaluable.

“I think he falls into that category. He’s a fabulous young character who’s got a desire, who understands CHELSEA, and I think you need that in the building.

“I understand the Financial Fair Play element but sometimes those ingredients are more important than the finances. And by the way, this kid works at his game.

“You speak to any of the coaches that have coached him from a young kid, up to where he is now. He was in a position where he was on loan, almost carted how here or there, to actually now wearing the armband.”