Gallagher has been one of the standout players at Stamford Bridge so far this season, making himself undroppable alongside the expensive midfielders at the club.

As recently as the last transfer window, the club were keen to sell the 23-year-old as they looked to cash in on a number of academy graduates to fund their big spending.

Now, Phillips has claimed that his future could depend on how Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia perform when they return to action.

He said: “So the bottom line is, they will need to make a final decision along with Pochettino on the best form of action for Gallagher going forward and whether they will be completing these latest contract talks.

Chelsea holding off on Gallagher contract

“There hasn’t been any advancements or any very recent talks about the contract, and that’s partly because of what I mentioned above and the club being keen to see what happens when Lavia and Nkunku come back in, and also because it’s been a crucial part of the season and Gallagher has been concentrating on being a very important player for Chelsea.”

Mauricio Pochettino has already hinted that the duo who are yet to make their debuts for the Blues are approaching a return to first team training.

However, it will take some solid performances for anyone to displace Gallagher right now, with him quickly establishing himself as a favourite for the manager.

Chelsea supporters meanwhile will be particularly excited to see Nkunku in action, with him being seen as the marquee addition to the side in terms of attackers.