Transfers
Mauricio Pochettino’s January transfer plan with three Chelsea chiefs amid Andrey Santos loan recall
Mauricio Pochettino is continuing to hold talks with Chelsea chiefs over potential plans for the remainder of the January transfer window.
No new arrivals have been acquired yet this month and it remains unclear if anybody will arrive through the doors at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino has already seen Andrey Santos return this month from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. The 19-year-old was recalled early due to only featuring twice since his summer switch.
Ian Maatsen is on the verge of departing for Borussia Dortmund. Talks are ongoing between the clubs over a loan deal, with an official offer sent by the Bundesliga outfit on Sunday, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher have both been linked with moves away this month, however Pochettino was quick to deliver his verdict on Gallagher’s future at the club prior to their 4-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup third round.
“We need to talk about many things but it is clear Conor has still a one-year-and-a-half-contract with us,” Pochettino said.
“Like all of the players at different clubs, when you arrive at this point it is about to talk, to take a decision for the future. Of course, all of this is going to be between the club and the player.
“Nothing to announce, nothing to say. The club is happy with him, he is happy here and at the moment nothing to say.”
After their win over Preston, Jordan Henderson’s name popped up after his reported desire to leave Saudi Arabia and return to England.
Pochettino wasn’t interested in discussing individuals, but did outline his plans for talks, including about Andrey, with the Chelsea hierarchy.
“To be honest we didn’t talk about names,” responded Pochettino on Saturday evening.
“At the moment we are not talking about bringing players. I saw Behdad (Eghbali) here in the manager’s room with Paul (Winstanley) and Laurence (Stewart). I think tomorrow (Sunday) we are going to have a chat because we will be in the training ground.
“We didn’t talk about names or talk about position, we didn’t talk to bring players. For now, we are focusing on players like Andrey Santos to see what we are going to do.”