Napoli table initial offer for Billy Gilmour

Napoli have had their initial bid of £8 million rejecte dfor Scottish defensive midfielder Billy Gilmour, but the Serie A giants are expected to return with a new offer next week. It is understood that Brighton and Hove Albion do not want to sell the 23-year-old, but that an offer of close to £15 million might tempt the club to sell the former Chelsea player.

Gilmour has caught the eye in recent seasons for both club and country, and in particular for Scotland, for whom he has been a stand out performer alongside Aston Villa player John McGinn. The player is currently with his club in Japan on a pre-season tour, and has flown out to Asia amidst the interest of Napoli.

Napoli are currently managed by former Chelsea and Tottenham coach Antonio Conte, and have been given a budget of around £39 million to spend on new players this summer. Gilmour will take part in a friendly match against Kashima Antlers on the 24th July but is unlikely to start should a potential transfer be forthcoming.