Brighton & Hove Albion have joined Everton in targeting a late-window move to sign Billy Gilmour, who is reportedly interested in leaving Chelsea to join Frank Lampard’s Toffees.
Brighton now join Everton in race to sign Billy Gilmour from Chelsea
According to the Daily Mail, Brighton & Hove Albion are now exploring a deal to sign Billy Gilmour from Chelsea. Graham Potter hopes to add to his recent raid on Stamford Bridge to hire Levi Colwill on loan, and now agree a permanent transfer for the young midfielder.
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The Seagulls cannot take further loanees from the Blues as Premier League rules allow one temporary transfer between two teams. But Potter could soon need another option for his engine room, with Manchester United expected to make an offer for Moises Caicedo soon.
Gilmour spent last term away from west London after joining Norwich City on loan. He had a key role at Carrow Road with 24 Premier League outings, for two assists, while they were relegated. Yet the 21-year-old returned to Chelsea unable to enter Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The Blues are also eying further signings for their midfield before the market slams shut on September 1. So, Brighton sense a chance to buy Gilmour, and are exploring their interest in the 15-cap Scotland international leaving Chelsea, two years before his contract expires.
Billy Gilmour keen on Frank Lampard reunion at Goodison Park
Yet while Brighton are interested in Gilmour, the Chelsea talent is keen to reunite with his former Blues boss Frank Lampard at Everton. Reports by talkSPORT note the midfielder is hopeful of moving to Merseyside, having made his Stamford Bridge debut under Lampard.
The Toffees tactician also stood at the west London helm for 17 of Gilmour’s 22 first-team appearances for Chelsea. He broke through from the academy ranks at Stamford Bridge in 2019, but has struggled to maintain the presence Lampard afforded since Tuchel’s arrival.
Luckily for Gilmour, Lampard is also interested in a reunion at Everton, with Simon Phillips reporting the Goodison boss is pushing for a deal. The pair developed a close relationship whilst Lampard managed Chelsea, and brought out some sublime showings from Gilmour.
“He was fantastic,” Roy Keane told Sky Sports during 2020 of Gilmour’s exploits for Chelsea under Lampard. “There are certain traits you want from midfielder, obviously quality on the ball, football intelligence, composure, he had everything…
“His general play, the way he started, he was just like a world-class player. That’s what he looked like, straight away. I thought it was one of their experienced lads… Everything he done throughout the game just had quality written all over it.”
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