View: Everton should hijack Billy Gilmour loan move after latest Villarreal rumours
Everton failed to complete at move for Billy Gilmour in the summer, but it now seems the Brighton midfielder is available in January.
Everton were keen to add Gilmour to their squad in the summer according to the Daily Star, but Frank Lampard’s midfield target snubbed the Toffees in favour of Brighton.
However, Gilmour has failed to make an impact on the south coast, making just four appearances for the Seagulls this season.
He’s fallen hugely out of favour since Roberto De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium, and Gilmour has now been touted with a loan move in January.
According to The Times, Gilmour could jet off to Spain to join La Liga outfit Villarreal on loan in January.
With Brighton clearly happy for him to leave in the New Year, Everton have a great opportunity to hijack the deal and provide Lampard with his summer target.
Everton instead picked up Manchester United’s James Garner after missing out on Gilmour, but he’s struggled to nail down a spot in the first team.
With a hectic second half of the season on the horizon, Lampard will need reinforcements in January and Gilmour will add even more depth to an already strong Toffees midfield.
Tempting Brighton to let Gilmour leave for a Premier League rival could be tough, but it could be the preferred option for the player if he’s keen to stay in England for the remainder of the season.
On top of that, it allows Brighton to assess Gilmour’s appearances in the same league, giving De Zerbi an idea of whether he’s capable of progressing to the first team.
It’s a win-win for all parties, but Everton will have to move quickly if they are to disrupt Villarreal’s incoming bid.