Conor Gallagher, 24, Chelsea midfielder

Contract situation: One year left at the end of the season

Estimated market value: £68m

Linked with: Tottenham

BBC Sport football news reporter Alex Howell:

Before Cole Palmer took centre stage, it could have been argued that Conor Gallagher was Chelsea’s player of the season.

Gallagher has taken on the job of stand-in captain and has been repeatedly praised by manager Mauricio Pochettino in a challenging season.

However, that has not stopped speculation about the academy graduate’s future.

At the end of the season Gallagher will be into the last 12 months of his contract. This is something the new ownership group has been trying to avoid with its biggest stars so they are able to keep the value of their assets.

Gallagher’s performances have impressed senior members of the club, especially considering the investment that has been made in his position with the £106m signing of Enzo Fernandez and the deal worth £115m for Moises Caicedo.

Conversations between the club and Gallagher’s agent have been ongoing and Gallagher is happy at the club, but it is understood that if a bid at the right price was to come in, Chelsea would be open to selling.

With the large outlay the club has put into the playing squad and the prospect of any European football looking unlikely, selling Gallagher would see the Blues make ‘pure profit’ on the deal if he were to leave the club after coming through their youth system.