Manager suggests his £50m player is absolutely ‘priceless’ after links with Newcastle

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Newcastle United’s transfer hopes have been dealt a big blow after one of their targets was recently deemed to be priceless by his manager.

It came as somewhat of a surprise to hear Mauricio Pochettino claim that he wouldn’t sell Conor Gallagher at any price after months of Chelsea trying to move him on.

However, in his press conference after their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace that’s exactly what the head coach did and is now suggesting the club will be keeping him on.

Newcastle were very keen on signing £50m talent

In a midfield that cost well over £200m it is ironic that the homegrown talent has actually been the best player out of the three players all season and could well be the most valuable to Chelsea.

Gallagher bagged his first two goals of the season on Monday night, adding to his four assists in the Premier League, but it is his hard working attitude and determination that is so valuable to the Blues.

Newcastle and Eddie Howe really appreciate that in a player, as evidenced by their signings under the new ownership, and were very keen on building on that by bringing in Gallagher to the team.

It was believed that the 24-year-old would cost around £50m for whoever was interested in him, though that now looks to be in doubt with Pochettino very clearly wanting to keep his star man at the club.

In his press conference, Pochettino said: “He’s a player with great commitment to the team, always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations.

“That is priceless, to have a player like him.”

Gallagher would not have been a good fit at Newcastle

In the short-term Newcastle would have absolutely loved to have a player like Gallagher available to them with so many of their players out with injuries or suspensions.

However, were they to spend a huge portion of their budget on him it’s not exactly clear where he’d fit in when players like Joelinton and Joe Willock return from injury and Sandro Tonali completes his suspension.

What Newcastle are more looking for is a defensive minded midfielder rather than someone who can play as more of an eight or a 10 at different times, so it doesn’t feel like this would have been a good way to spend their money regardless of if Chelsea are wanting to keep him.