Billy Gilmour in limbo as Chelsea starlet agreed to Brighton loan due to boss Potter’s tactics… before he left for Blues

BILLY GILMOUR will be baffled by his switch to Brighton from Chelsea — just days before Graham Potter went the other way.

The 21-year-old midfielder was cleared to go after talks with Thomas Tuchel.

And he was persuaded to make the move to Brighton by Potter.

Gilmour did not want to quit the Blues on deadline day after returning from a dismal loan at Norwich.

And he told pals he only chose the Seagulls because of the way Potter plays.

Gilmour will now wait to see who Brighton bring in as their new boss.

The Seagulls have a four-man shortlist to continue Potter’s great work.

And one of the names on it is Nottingham Forest’s Steve Cooper.

Whether they rate Gilmour like Potter did is unclear for now.

After signing the Scot, he declared: “Billy arrives with a fantastic pedigree, having played in the Premier League and Champions League as well as for Scotland at last year’s Euros.

“He will complement our existing midfield options.

“That experience at quite a young age shows the strength of character he has and we’re really excited by his potential.

“Now it’s about allowing him the time to get used to a new environment and settling in to our club.

“We can’t wait to work with him.”

Saying goodbye to Chelsea after his transfer was confirmed, Gilmour tweeted: “Thank you for everything @ChelseaFC.

“I’ve developed so much here and met people who will be friends for life. 

“I’ve grown from a young boy to a man but I feel now is the time to make the next step in my career. 

“Good luck and all the best! Once a blue, always a blue!”