Gallagher has started every game since Pochettino arrived and even wore the armband for the first time during our midweek Carabao Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon.

However, rumours persist the 23-year-old could be exiting the club and Pochettino was asked at his press conference today about Gallagher’s immediate future.

‘All the players involved in the squad are involved in our plan, and after it is a decision of two parts, with the club and the player,’ the head coach explained

‘From the outside, Conor was a really good player and a really consistent player that can perform in different positions. We are so happy with him.

‘Different things happened in the past we can’t say anything about. We can only express our feeling from day one, and he showed great commitment to the club. We are happy with him, he was captain two days ago against Wimbledon, and he is an important player for us.

‘What is going to happen in the future I cannot tell you. Even if we pay big money for a player, they need to perform. If they don’t perform, they don’t deserve to play. That is football. All the players in the squad know they will play if they deserve to.

‘In Conor’s case we are so happy with him, and we hope he stays with us.’