Southampton keen on taking Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour on loan before deadline
According to Sky Sports (h/t Twitter via Football Daily), Southampton are keen on taking Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour on loan before the transfer deadline.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen on bringing in a midfielder on loan. Southampton have struggled with injuries in defence, forcing them to utilise midfielders as makeshift full-backs.
The player is also keen on leaving Chelsea on loan in order to boost his chances of making the Scotland squad for Euro 2021.
The youngster has already informed Chelsea of his decision to leave before today’s deadline. The Blues are currently in negotiations with Southampton regarding a late switch. (h/t The Metro)
The 19-year-old was held in high regard by former boss Frank Lampard. However, Gilmour was not a part of Thomas Tuchels’s matchday squads that faced off against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
Tuchel does have a good opinion of Gilmour. Nevertheless, it appears he is keen to remain patient with the youngster. (h/t The Metro)
Tuchel also revealed after taking over that he is willing to give all players a chance to prove themselves. With the likes of Jorginho being given a new lease of life, Gilmour could struggle for game time.
With the likes of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic also available, Gilmour will be better off seeking regular game time elsewhere.
The youngster broke into the first-team last season, especially catching the eye against Liverpool in the FA Cup. An unfortunate knee injury cut short his season, even keeping him out of the start of the current campaign.
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Hasenhuttl is an accomplished tactician who knows how to get the best out of his players. Playing under the Austrian would be a learning curve for Gilmour.
A spell at Southampton would be just the tonic for him to continue his development at the senior level. With time running out, it remains to be seen if an agreement can be reached.
