Reports have emerged in England as to why Chelsea cannot recall Conor Gallagher in January despite the calls by Blues faithful that their club should bring the youngster back mid-season.

The 21-year-old has been one the season’s star performers; earning him his first England cap, coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over San Marino last month.

His form on loan at Selhurst Park has led to talk of the Blues recalling Gallagher in January to help supplement their trophy tilt next year.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Gallagher is ineligible to return to Stamford Bridge at the turn of the year due to a quirk in his loan agreement.

The midfielder has played over 50 per cent of Crystal Palace’s matches so far.

Chelsea did insert a recall clause in Gallagher’s loan deal to Palace last summer but it can only be activated if the midfielder plays less than 50 per cent of the games during the first half of the season.

So far Gallagher has been a virtual ever-present, playing in 16 of Palace’s 17 games so far this season.

Gallagher has been vital to Palace’s season so far and the fact he is staying until the summer is a major boost for head coach Patrick Vieira.

Chelsea refused to entertain loan offers for Gallagher that included a permanent option to buy the midfielder.