Following a busy summer, Conor Gallagher is one of just five central midfielders left at Stamford Bridge, alongside record-signing Enzo Fernandez and young trio Carney Chulwuemeka, Andrey Santos and Cesare Casadei.

Chelsea are interested in signing Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo but have been priced out of a move with the Ecuador star valued at £100million.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has told the Chelsea board than he needs an experienced midfielder.

“We need at least one more [midfielder] and we are working on that. It depends on what happens in the next few weeks. We will decide and take our decision,” Pochettino said.

“We need one more with experience. But it’s a good opportunity for the young guys to have the chance to play. There are still three games to play here and it’s good, not a problem.

“We are going to arrive in a good condition at the start of the season. We are testing different players who can be important for the present and the future.

“It’s important to have the possibility to play with these guys, in games against Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham and Dortmund, is important for them because it’s real competition to see their quality. That’s important.”