Gallagher has regularly captained the Blues this season (Picture: Getty)

Mauricio Pochettino has held frequent talks with Conor Gallagher over his future at Chelsea.

The 23-year-old midfielder has been one of Chelsea’s key players this season, virtually ever present in the manager’s starting XI having missed just one game through suspension and frequently captaining the side in the absence of Reece James.

His future at Stamford Bridge has come into doubt however with just 18 months left on his current contract.

Reports have suggested he could be sold to help fund Chelsea’s move for a striker during the January transfer window, despite Pochettino insisting the club do not need to sell before they can buy this month.

Tottenham are among the sides interested in signing the England international and while his preference is thought to be to stay in west London, speculation over his future shows no signs of abating.

But the Chelsea boss has no concerns over how Gallagher is handling the uncertainty over his future.

‘I think he’s doing a fantastic job, he’s working well, he’s helping the club and us and his teammates a lot.

Gallagher has been linked with a move across the capital (Picture: Getty)

‘We are happy with his performances. He has an advantage because he knows the club. He knows the demands of the Premier League. We are so happy with him.’

The futures of a handful of Chelsea players have come under scrutiny this month with Ian Maatsen thought to be close to joining Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Andrey Santos meanwhile has returned from a spell on loan at Nottingham Forest with his next move uncertain.

Pochettino continued: ‘If you want to ask me if I was talking with Conor about this situation: yes.

‘Like all the players, when rumours happen, it’s always good to have a good conversation with the player, like Ian Maatsen, or different players like this, Andrey Santos.

‘I think always it’s important for us, the coaches, to have very clear and very direct, honest conversations with the players. It’s healthy to have these types of relationships.

‘We were talking all different subjects, and if we have something to communicate, then we will.’

MORE : Chelsea weighing up move for Jose Mourinho’s star Roma striker Paulo Dybala

MORE : Chelsea can take a huge stride towards another Carabao Cup final with victory at Middlesbrough

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

He has just 18 months left on his contract.