Brighton plot move for Chelsea’s Gilmour as the Scot struggles to break into first-team picture

Brighton are exploring a potential deal for Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour.

The Seagulls have already signed Levi Colwill on loan from Chelsea so would have to make the move a permanent one.

Gilmour could replace Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo who is being tracked by Manchester United with the Red Devils expected to make their move for the Ecuadorian.

Scotland star Billy Gilmour has found first-team opportunities hard to come by at Chelsea

The Scotland international spent the entirety of last season on loan at Norwich City before returning to Stamford Bridge this summer, following the Canaries’ relegation to the Championship.

But Chelsea’s midfield options mean Gilmour’s chances of first-team action are limited with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all ahead of the Scotsman in the pecking order.

Chelsea are still pondering over a move for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and a swoop for the Dutchman would almost certainly push Gilmour towards the exit door.

Gilmour spent last season on loan at Norwich City making 24 appearances for the Canaries

The 21-year-old has represented Scotland 15 times and was included in the Euro 2020 squad

The 21-year-old has earned 15 caps for Scotland and featured for his country against England in their Euro 2020 clash at Wembley.

Gilmour began his youth career at Celtic before crossing the Glasgow divide to Rangers where he spent eight years of his development.

Aged 16, Gilmour made the switch to west London in a reported £500,000 deal and has since gone on to make 22 appearances for the first team.