‘Just need to wait’: Everton target to speak with coach after pre-season axe

Follow us on Google Discover

Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour has confirmed he will speak to Thomas Tuchel to discuss his role after being axed from the Blues’ pre-season tour side, amid transfer interest from Everton.

The midfielder has now linked up with Chelsea’s U23s in Salt Lake rather than continuing in the first-team’s tour of the USA. Tuchel takes his players to Charlotte and Orlando, but told Gilmour to step down to the development team as he would not feature in the senior side.

• Crystal Palace’s 22/23 XI with £20M West Ham target leading 4 new signings
• Jude Bellingham and Celtic ace lead Birmingham XI if they ket their top stars

Gilmour’s relegation also raises doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge in the upcoming campaign. He had returned to west London earlier this summer after spending last season on loan at Norwich City, but endured a turbulent time as the Canaries suffered relegation.

Daniel Farke occasionally dropped Gilmour from the Carrow Road line-up before losing his job to Dean Smith in November. And the 21-year-old continued to live in flux under the ex-Aston Villa boss, despite Norwich often calling out for a player with his technical potential.

Everton are interested in Billy Gilmour amid uncertain his Chelsea future

Gilmour would start 21 of his 24 Premier League appearances last term, as his attitude and application kept him in Smith’s mind. His performances at Carrow Road, while in a differing style to that Tuchel favours, have also earned interest in the 15-cap Scotland international.

Everton have held talks with Chelsea to discuss Frank Lampard’s interest in a loan deal for Gilmour, per The Times. But the Blues are weighing up his permanent departure from west London this summer, according to the Evening Standard, if a suitable bid falls on the table.

Gilmour has not yet spoken with Tuchel to discuss where his long-term future lies after his axe from Chelsea’s pre-season plans. But the Scotland midfielder will meet the Blues boss when the time is right, and would not shy away from another loan move if one is needed.

“I’m a confident player,” Gilmour said, via quotes by The Telegraph. “I’m back at Chelsea, working hard in pre-season and then see what happens at the end. I’ve not had any conversation [with Tuchel] yet. I just need to wait and see when he speaks to me.”