Chelsea midfielder could leave in January transfer window

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could be shown the exit door when the transfer window reopens in January.

The Blues were open to parting ways with Gallagher before the transfer deadline on September 1. Tottenham Hotspur were interested in his services, but their proposal was not good enough.

Spurs were willing to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy next summer, but the Blues were reluctant to sanction his departure for anything less than £40 million.

As a result, Gallagher stayed put with the Blues, but the door has not closed over his exit. Despite his bright form, the club need to cash in on players to avoid Financial Fair Play breaches.

Aside from Gallagher, Ian Maatsen could also leave at the turn of the year. He was the subject of a bid from Burnley this summer, but decided to turn them down to continue with the Blues.

Maatsen's current contract with the Blues expires at the end of the campaign. The club could force him through the exit door in January unless he pens a new long-term contract.