There are certain players that will always be linked with a return to their old clubs and, despite never making a first team appearance, Billy Gilmour is definitely one of these players.
Being realistic, this summer is probably the only chance Rangers will get to sign the Scotland international, the potential he showed at Auchenhowie now being displayed on the biggest stage for all to see and with talks of him spending next season out on loan, that we are one of several interested parties is far from surprising.
Most mainstream media sites have been throwing out articles filled with guesswork, however, respected blog, The 4th Official, has revealed that officials at Chelsea have confirmed our interest in bringing the 20-year old back up the road:
“I have been told by two journalists based in London who covers Chelsea that Rangers are definitely one of the teams interested in taking Billy Gilmour on loan. Yesterday, I had back and forth with both of them as I wanted to understand how realistic the deal is in reality. Both of them have direct access to Chelsea officials, so I am confident that this information is definitely true.”
They then go on to clarify that hopes of any deal hinges largely on participation in the Champions League, playing regularly is one thing, but competing at the sharp end of continental football is another altogether.
I’d like to think that if it is a choice between playing for the likes of Norwich City, West Ham United or Rangers, that Steven Gerrard’s track record of developing midfielders, our style of play, pressure of having to win every game and exposure in the Champions League would be enough to sway Gilmour’s decision.
We will need to strengthen in midfield over coming weeks and for all that it would only be for a season, getting such a good player in would be an immediate upgrade on every player we have apart from maybe Steven Davis and certainly better than anything they have in midfield across the city – all aboard the hype train.