Charlton’s Head of Recruitment Steve Gallen believes Conor Gallagher will still be at The Valley in February.

The 19-year-old midfielder has impressed during the first half of his season-long loan from Chelsea and there are rumours that Premiership clubs are keen to take Gallagher for the remainder of the campaign.

Gallen however feels the Chelsea Academy product, who’s been a mainstay in Lee Bowyer’s Charlton side, will remain with the Addicks.  

“We want to keep him until the end of the season,” he said.

“Firstly, what a player.

“We are so pleased with how well he’s done, Chelsea have been superb lending him to us.

“We’ve had different people from Chelsea come in over the last few months and they are very pleased with his progress, we are too.

“Of course he’s Chelsea’s player and there’s a re-call inside of January, so they can call him back.

“But they’ve not indicated they will do that.

“I’ve seen bits about clubs being interested in him but I’m not surprised by that, as far as we are concerned he’s going to stay with us and I think Lee will be keen to keep him.”

Under Bowyer, Chelsea’s Young Player Of The Year last season has shone, scoring six goals in 25 appearances.

His displays in his first foray into men’s football have attracted clubs form the top tier, reportedly Burnley and Newcastle United.

Bowyer however feels that at Charlton he will progress further, sighting previous loanees that flourished under his stewardship.

“As an ex-player, and not just because I’m here, I believe here is the right place to develope,” Bowyer said.

“He’s had six-months, he’s had highs and lows, which are part of the game.

“You want to enjoy wining, look after the player, but at the same time you want to turn him into man, and that’s what’s happening.

“He’s getting tested in all ways, the physical side and the mental side.

“Looking on the outside, i.e. Chelsea, here, it’s perfect for him.

“He’s close to home which is important when they’re young, he’ll keep improving, scoring goals and he’ll be going back to Chelsea a better player.”

With the lowest budget in the Championship well documented this season, the Addicks have made use of their allotted five loan deals. Last season was no different in League One, and Bowyer was keen to stress the improvement that a spell at Charlton can have on the player as well as their parent club.

“Whoever has come here has left a better player.

“Krystien Bielik came to us last season and Arsenal sold him for £10 million.

“Was he a £10million player the summer before? No he wasn’t.”