Conor Gallagher could be set to leave Chelsea this month with Tottenham reportedly interested in a move for the midfielder.

The mere suggestion that a man consistently wearing the captain's armband might be a target for a rival would typically be dismissed out of hand.

But Chelsea's position in the transfer market is complicated and selling a key player appears to have become a necessity to adhere to financial fair play rules.

Ahead of the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Middlesbrough, we consider what Gallagher's exit could mean for Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Key player

A quick glance at the numbers is enough to see why Pochettino is such a fan of Gallagher.

No player in the Premier League has won possession in the attacking third more times this season (27).

That is essential in a Pochettino team and most of Chelsea's positive results in 2023-24 have involved Gallagher as a driving force.

The 23-year-old ranks first in the West Londoners' squad for total tackles (52), interceptions (27) and completed passes into the final third (304).

He is also level with Cole Palmer for the most top-flight assists so far this term (four).

The Blues' No23 is an influential player and one they would normally have no interest in selling.

That Tottenham are the club that have been so heavily linked with him only makes the situation more unusual.

But Gallagher could become a victim of Chelsea's need to balance the books financially after their lavish spending.

Patient Poch

Gallagher's future is clearly out of Pochettino's hands and that in itself is an issue for Chelsea.

If the priorities of the manager and the owner do not align, consistent progress could become more difficult.

Pochettino said: "Look, in football different things can happen and it is between the club and the players.

"Only the player and club can guarantee it — the player more than the club because the player has one year and a half more and he can stay.

"He can say, 'Yes, I am going to stay because my coach can allow me to stay and be here'. And then the club has to do a negotiation, as always, to make the best decision for the club and the team.

"The club is happy with him, he is happy here and I think at the moment there is nothing to say or announce."

Up in the air

Unfortunately for Pochettino and Chelsea fans, Gallagher's potential exit is not related to his performances on the pitch.

The England international reportedly wants to stay and it may be that he remains at the club until at least the summer.

But he will be in the final year of his contract by the end of the campaign and bids may become increasingly appealing.

Any sale will also go down as pure profit on Chelsea's books as he is an academy graduate.

For Tottenham, Gallagher would undoubtedly be a quality addition.

He would be a big loss for his current club, though, as well as a representation of their chaotic transfer policies.

As the Blues prepare for their meeting with Middlesbrough, supporters in SW6 will hope Gallagher's situation is resolved quickly — and that he remains at Stamford Bridge.