Chelsea are reportedly reluctant to let Billy Gilmour leave for Brighton on a permanent deal.
Seagulls boss Graham Potter is keen to sign Gilmour ahead of the transfer window.
But The Athletic reports that Chelsea’s injury problems mean they are currently not keen to sanction the deal – but that could change if they sign Ajax’s Edson Alvarez, having made an offer for the midfielder.
As it stands, though, Chelsea are short of options in that position, with N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek both sidelined, while Mateo Kovacic is being eased back after a knee problem.
Ally McCoist believes Gilmour would thrive under Potter on the south coast.
Gilmour failed to impress last season on loan at Norwich, who were relegated from the Premier League.
But former Rangers man McCoist believes his fellow Scot would fare much better in Potter’s side.
“That kind of move really appeals to me for the wee man,” McCoist said on Talksport.
“I know he didn’t hit it off at Norwich and a lot of the Norwich fans weren’t too happy with that particular signing, but I don’t know if Billy Gilmour was suited to a team that was struggling and fighting for survival.
“Brighton are a bright, young team that are playing for their manager and doing fantastically well.
“They play the game the right way and it’s good to watch. I just think that would be a good fit.
“That move excites me. I think it would be a good move for Billy Gilmour.”