Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq plotting a stunning move for Chelsea star and have initiated contact - Reports

Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq have reportedly initiated contact with Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher over a potential move for the player in January. Football Transfers claim that the Blues are unhappy with the Liverpool legend's attempts at signing their central midfield player.

Gerrard has been an admirer of the England international's work, having already attempted to sign the player from his time as Aston Villa boss.

However, the aforementioned report claims that the former Crystal Palace man wishes to sign an extension on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and turn down the money from Saudi Arabia.

Gallagher is currently contracted with Chelsea till June of 2025 and has started eight Premier League matches for the west London side this season. Given the player was also handed captaincy for three of those eight matches, he appears to be an important part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans.

However, the offers from Saudi Arabia have convinced several superstars from the English top flight. Ex-Premier League stars Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray have already joined Gerrard's side in the summer.

In total, Gallagher has recorded 55 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, bagging three goals and two assists. Considering the player's wishes and age, a move to the Saudi Pro League seems unlikely at the moment.

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Three Chelsea stars who joined Saudi Pro League in the summer

N'Golo Kante (via Getty Images)

Three Chelsea stars have already joined the Saudi Pro League in the summer. The biggest name of the bunch is former France international N'Golo Kante, who decided to move to Al-Ittihad.

During his seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder completed 269 appearances across all competitions, bagging 25 goals and 31 assists. He won the UEFA Champions League and Premier League once each with his former club.

Senegal international Kalidou Koulibaly decided to join Al-Hilal for £17million after spending just one season with the Blues. Following his £33 million deal from Napoli in the summer of 2022, the centre-back managed 32 appearances for the west London side.

The final player on this list is goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who moved to Chelsea from Stade Rennais in 2020 for £22 million. After completing 105 appearances for his former club and keeping 49 clean sheets, Mendy decided to join Al Ahli this summer on a £16 million deal.