TalkSPORT pundit Ally McCoist says there is “something wrong” if Chelsea are being forced to sell Conor Gallagher.

The midfielder is a regular starter for the Blues but he is closing in on the final year of his contract and there are now suggestions that he could be sold in order to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules. Speaking about the situation, McCoist said:

“It’s shocking. I get FFP and the restrictions and all clubs have to abide by it and adhere to it but there must be something wrong when there is an incentive when it’s far more financially beneficial for you to sell a homegrown player than anybody else to balance the books. That can’t be right. It sends out a really poor message, I don’t like it at all.”

It is believed that manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged the club to hand Gallagher an extension but the situation is thought to be complicated.

Why are Chelsea reluctant to give the player a new deal?

The Daily Mail report that the Blues are not willing to offer the 24-year-old more than £150,000 a week, and that has been a sticking point in negotiations.

As mentioned by McCoist, FFP and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules also have to be factored into the equation. Selling homegrown players is pure profit on the balance sheet and, with Chelsea sailing dangerously close to breaking regulations, they may be forced into offloading Gallagher.

Gallagher’s value will drop significantly this summer

Chelsea were said to be demanding around £50m to £60m for the England international during the January transfer window, but they may only get £25m to £30m at the end of the season due to his contract situation.

If Gallagher is forced to leave Stamford Bridge, it has been suggested that he would prefer to stay in London, making Tottenham the favourites to snap him up.

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