Mauricio Pochettino says Conor Gallagher is "important" to Chelsea - but admits he will not decide whether the midfielder stays at Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher is stand-in captain while Reece James is out injured but he is heading into the final 18 months of his contract and faces an uncertain future.
Asked about the 23-year-old’s situation ahead of the January transfer window, Pochettino said after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United: “That is between the club and the player.
“I don’t need to talk too much because it is not my decision. He is in the starting eleven in nearly all the games and is one of the captains.
“For me, he is the type of player that the club needs to have.”
It is understood Gallagher has yet to start negotiations over a new contract.
That is despite being part of Chelsea's leadership group, which also includes James, Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill.
Pochettino is keen to use an English core to build a positive culture at Chelsea after a merry-go-round of transfers in and out of the club over the last two years.
He has continued to praise Gallagher, who has been one of his most reliable performers this season, saying: “He’s important because of his Chelsea values.
"He came from the academy and knows the identity of the club and he is very committed. You can see on the pitch how he runs, plays, and fights.
“He gives everything and he is a really important player. All coaching staff want this type of player in their team.”
