Everton hopes of landing Billy Gilmour on loan from Chelsea boosted if Idrissa Gueye arrives
Billy Gilmour is “99% sure” to leave Chelsea on loan and Everton are the most likely destination, according to Telegraph reporter Matt Law.
The Scotland international is thought to be a favourite of Frank Lampard, who gave him his breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, and if the Toffees complete a deal to bring Idrissa Gueye back to the club it could actually increase their chances of borrowing the youngster because of how they would compliment each other.
After being offered the chance to re-sign the Senegal international from Paris Saint-Germain a week ago (27 July), they have pressed ahead with negotiations and could have him available to face Chelsea on Saturday [Alan Myers].
Law told the London Is Blue Podcast (37mins): “Billy I’m 99% sure will leave on loan again at some point in this window, and if you’re asking me today where I think he’ll go it would be Everton.
“I know Everton have got other targets. They’ve got quite a few midfield targets and I think they’re waiting to see how the market pans out.
“From what I’m told, Lampard thinks Gilmour can play brilliantly alongside somebody with legs… If Everton sign Idrissa Gueye like they’re trying to I actually think that would increase the chances of them then signing Gilmour on loan.
“I think it would actually be great for him because it’s very clear that Frank loves him as a player, loves him as a lad. I think he’d be very encouraging for him.”
All coming together
It has taken a long time but it finally looks like at least part of the transfer window plans are starting to fit together, and a new-look midfield could be not far off.
Gueye has somewhat fallen into their lap but in the circumstances makes a lot of sense if they can get that deal over the line soon.
A crowded midfield at Stamford Bridge is set to get even more crowded with the addition of Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, so it always seemed likely that someone would be available on a loan deal.
The Chelsea-Lampard connection has so far not born any fruit but the Gilmour move makes so much sense it would be a shock to not see it happen now.
The youngster had a rough time at Norwich last season, but in the right system alongside Gueye, and under the man who he did so well under when he burst onto the scene in west London, seems like the perfect way to get back on track.
Despite the concerns about what is happening up front after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury there is movement in midfield that is starting to look very encouraging for Everton.
Nothing would get done with Chelsea until after they face each other in the opening game presumably, and a loanee wouldn’t feature anyway, but if they can get Gueye in for that one and quickly add Gilmour after it would be a strong one-two punch in the market.