Billy Gilmour Napoli transfer state of play as move takes huge step

Napoli are closing in on the signing of Billy Gilmour and have agreed a fee with Brighton.

The Serie A giants are set to pay an initial £12million up front with the potential for £6m in add-ons to take the total to £18m. The Naples outfit have been keen on the Scotland international all summer after manager Antonio Conte identified him as a key midfield target having worked with him at Chelsea.

A verbal agreement is in place between the two sides for those terms but it is understood he remains in Seagulls boss Fabian Hurzeler's plans for now and is likely to be in the squad for tomorrow's Premier League clash with Manchester United.

But Napoli chiefs are hopeful the 23-year-old will jet out next week to undergo a medical ahead of completing the transfer. Brighton's pursuit of Matt O'Riley from Celtic could play a part as if they have the 23-year-old in the door then it could pave the way to allow for Gilmour's exit.

As it stands, O'Riley looks likely to become a Seagulls player as they are willing to meet the Hoops' £25million valuation and pay add-ons on top of that, including a likely sell-on clause.

We told earlier how one former player of both clubs thinks it would be a great deal for all parties.