Conor Gallagher is on holiday after playing in the European Championship and did not accompany the squad on their tour of the US.
CHELSEA have offered midfielder Conor Gallagher a new contract as his current deal expires next year, manager Enzo Maresca said ahead of their pre-season friendly against Manchester City in Ohio.
The 24-year-old has yet to agree terms and Maresca did not specify the details of the offer, with British media reporting that several top European clubs are vying for his signature.
“I can say that he is in contact with the club to find a solution and the club has offered him a new contract. That is the news that I have received,” Maresca said.
Gallagher is on holiday after playing in the European Championship and did not accompany the squad on their tour of the US.
“The main focus or target at the moment for me, Connor and the club is to find a solution that makes everyone happy,” added Maresca.
Chelsea will host City in their Premier League opener on August 18.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe would not comment on Saturday on reports that Newcastle were trying to sign England centre-back Marc Guehi after watching his side lose 2-0 to Yokohama F Marinos in steamy Tokyo.
After a 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in midweek, Howe was looking for a third straight pre-season win from his players, but they struggled in the stifling heat as the mercury topped 30 deg C at the National Stadium.
Midfielder Elber opened the scoring for the J League side in the 33rd minute and Jun Amano got the second six minutes after half-time.
Howe had nothing to say about UK media reports that Newcastle had made a £60 million move for Crystal Palace’s Guehi, one of England’s outstanding players in their run to the Euro 2024 final last month.
“It was a good test for us,” said Howe, who wanted to talk only about the match. “A difficult game. Very good opposition.”
Newcastle wilted after a lively start which saw debutant Lloyd Kelly’s pass release Alexander Isak to cut back for Sean Longstaff, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Hiroki Iikura.
“I thought we started brightly today and faded after we conceded,” said Howe, who was pleased that none of his players picked up any injuries.
Newcastle return home for a friendly against Girona on Friday before kicking off the new Premier League season against Southampton at St James’ Park on August 17.
Reuters & AFP
