Brighton reject £8m bid from European giants for Billy Gilmour as Antonio Conte eyes ex-Chelsea star

Brighton have rejected an £8m bid from Napoli for Billy Gilmour, talkSPORT understands.

But the team from the south coast does not rule out an exit for the 23 years oldwho joined the club from Chelsea for just £9m in 2022.

He Seagulls He could be tempted to cash in on Scotland international Gilmour if Napoli are willing to pay around £12m.

It remains to be seen whether the Serie A giants will return with an improved offer, with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler likely to want a swift conclusion to any deal.

Gilmour was a regular for Brighton last season, making 41 appearances in all competitions.

But he faces an uncertain future at the Amex Stadium following the departure of his previous manager. Roberto De Zerbi.

And if he decides to sign for Napoli, he will be reunited with his former Blues coach. Antonio Conte.

While it was Frank Lampard Who gave Gilmour his Chelsea debut, the midfielder's first season at the club's academy came during Conte's final campaign in west London.

Gilmour could also count on his former Chelsea teammate Romelu Lukakuwho is looking forward to rejoining Conte after winning the Serie A title together at Inter Milan in 2021.

It would also be the second high-profile Scot in the Italian top flight, with international team-mate Lewis Ferguson thriving at Bologna.

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It's already been a busy summer at Brighton, who have made five signings for the first team.

Brighton paid out £30 million to sign winger Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle, while also snapping up Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord in a £25m deal.

This is in addition to shelling out £16m for striker Ibrahim Osman from Nordsjaelland, as well as around £6m for midfielder Malick Junior Yalcouye from Goteborg.

And they even held their own against competition from other Premier League teams and Borussia Dortmund. ensure services of former Arsenal star Amario Cozier-Duberry on a free transfer.