Chelsea midfielder Billy Gilmour is set for ‘showdown talks’ with Thomas Tuchel regarding his future at Stamford Bridge, according to reports.
The 21-year-old recently saw his contract renewed by a year, keeping him at Chelsea until 2024.
The Scotland international has made just 22 appearances for the Blues since coming through the academy after joining from Rangers.
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Last season, Gilmour spent his first campaign away from Stamford Bridge as he played for relegated Norwich City.
The spell was less than successful, with Norwich’s fans turning on the loanee half-way through the season after a string of unimpressive performances in the poor side.
Gilmour returned to Chelsea briefly in January after sustaining an injury during his loan spell, with Tuchel admitting that they were considering keeping him at Stamford Bridge rather than returning him to his loan spell.
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“First of all we check his injury of course, he is our player," Tuchel said in January.
"He is here to have the best examination that we know about the situation and we can decide with him together and Norwich about the treatment and what is going on.
"We will take the decision. We have not talked so far if he stays or not.”
However, the midfielder was allowed to finish his spell with the Premier League's bottom side as they were sentenced to relegation.
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It was thought that Gilmour would return for pre-season and be handed the chance to impress, alongside the other returning loanees.
However, the Scottish Sun have now reported that Gilmour will hold ‘showdown talks’ with Tuchel regarding his future.
He is waiting to discover whether he will feature in Tuchel’s plans for the new season after the automatic extension clause in his contract was triggered.
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Recent reports have linked former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard with a move for Gilmour.
The pair shared a strong relationship, with Lampard bringing Gilmour from the academy and into the first team during his time at Chelsea.
It is unclear as to whether Gilmour would be allowed to depart on a permanent deal or whether Chelsea could seek another loan move for the player.
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Gilmour has been capped 15 times by his country, an impressive feat at such a young age.
The midfielder will no doubt be keen for first-team football and with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek currently ahead of him in the pecking order at Chelsea, he could depart.
Conor Gallagher is also set to be handed an opportunity in pre-season after an impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace.
Therefore, Gilmour must hold talks with Tuchel to discuss his involvement next season.
Topics: Chelsea, Billy Gilmour, Thomas Tuchel, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms