- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Brighton & Hove Albion have made a decision over the future of Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour, amid interest from Napoli.
We had reported that Antonio Conte’s Napoli were keen on Billy Gilmour with the Scotsman allowed to leave the South Coast club for around £15 million.
Swedish midfielder Jens Cajuste looked to be heading to Brentford from Napoli, which would have created room in their midfield department for the signing of the former Chelsea midfielder.
However, Cajuste instead moved to Ipswich Town which does little to scupper the deal for Gilmour, but another factor could be an issue in the deal for the Scottish midfielder.
Brighton change stance on Billy Gilmour
HITC understands that Brighton are not ready to sanction Gilmour’s proposed move to Conte’s Napoli this summer.
HITC understands that Gilmour talks have advanced and the player has agreed personal terms in principle, but recent weeks have seen the Scottish international continue to train with the first team and he has impressed new Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler.
It is now believed that Hurzeler is ready to use Gilmour going forward, putting the move to Napoli into some doubt. Gilmour has been named in Brighton’s starting XI for their home game against Manchester United.
We reported that Brighton had agreed terms with Celtic for the signing of Danish midfielder Matt O’Riley from the Scottish Champions, it is unclear how much game time Gilmour would receive when O’Riley does complete his move to the South Coast.
Brighton are confident they are now in pole position for O’Riley’s signature after Atalanta dropped out of the race for O’Riley by refusing to meet Celtic’s demands.
Napoli president back in England to sort out multiple deals
Similar to last week, HITC understands that Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna is back in England to try and sort out multiple deals involving the Premier League with time running out before the window slams shut.
Manna was previously in England to hold talks with Manchester United as the Italian club were understood to be keen on Scott McTominay, but that deal has not progressed.
Sources have told HITC that Manna is still locked in talks over a deal for McTominay, but also Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea and Napoli were in talks over Osimhen and Lukaku but you get the sense that is a deal that could well go to the wire.
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