Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour is closing in on a permanent move to Brighton, 90min understands.
The 21-year-old Scotland international is not in Thomas Tuchel’s plans and he was keen to pursue a move away from the club, but Chelsea had initially been reluctant to sanction a permanent exit and were instead hoping for a loan deal.
Brighton emerged as the leading suitor for Gilmour, but given they already have centre-back Levi Colwill on loan from the Blues, they had to pursue a permanent deal and sources have confirmed to 90min that an agreement has now been reached.
Gilmour is now heading for a medical and will be leaving Chelsea for a fee of around £10m.
It is believed that Chelsea have also negotiated a buy-back clause for Gilmour, with Chelsea’s ownership reluctant to give up on the 21-year-old permanently.
Taking Gilmour’s place in Chelsea’s midfield could be Ajax’s Edson Alvarez. The Mexico international is the subject of a €50m bid from the Blues and he has refused to train on Thursday in an attempt to force through a move.
Elsewhere, Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is heading to England for a medical ahead of a permanent transfer which will see left-back Marcos Alonso move in the opposite direction.