Controversial journalist Keith Jackson claims Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is interested in Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour – and that there is a chance of him returning to Ibrox.
The Scotland international, 20, is one of the hottest young properties around and reports have emerged that the player is set to seek a loan move away from Chelsea next season.
With up to six Premier League clubs linked by the Scottish Sun, Gilmour and Chelsea’s preference was said to be a year-long stint with someone in the Premier League.
This was backed up by BBC Sport, who also suggested that Rangers could sway the youngster if they qualify for the Champions League.
The editor of the official Norwich City Twitter account – a gentleman named Paddy Davitt – would then hint that Gilmour was set to join the Canaries.
Now, the Daily Record are claiming that talk of a deal being concluded is premature and that there are a couple of factors relating to the youngster’s short-term future.
The first is the future of Chelsea teammate Mateo Kovacic – according to the report, there is some conjecture regarding Croatia star Kovacic’s future which could force Gilmour to stay in London.
The ex-Real Madrid midfielder has been linked with a move to Serie A champions Inter Milan [Daily Star].
Again, alluding to Champions League qualification, here’s what a “well placed Chelsea source” allegedly told the Record:
“There have been some conflicting signals where Billy’s immediate future is concerned. It may depend on whether or not Mateo Kovacic stays or leaves the club this summer.
“But there is no doubt how highly Chelsea rate Billy. If they do agree to loan him out for experience they might prefer him to be playing in the Premier League with the likes of Norwich, Wolves or Leeds.
“But they also know Steven Gerrard is a big admirer – and that Rangers are very much in the market for taking young players from Premier League academies on loan and giving them top team experience as part of a well-coached side.”
Billy Gilmour came through the youth ranks at Rangers and signed a pre-contract deal with Chelsea aged just 15 back in 2017.
Rangers fans have followed Gilmour’s career closely ever since he left Ibrox with plenty eager to see him return to the club where it all began.
